Trump Endorses Cuomo in NYC Mayor Race, Calls Zohran Mamdani a “Communist” and Threatens to Cut Federal Funding
Former President Donald Trump endorsed Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayoral race, called Zohran Mamdani a “Communist”, and warned he would limit federal funding to NYC if Mamdani wins — remarks captured on LiveNOW from FOX.
- Trump endorsed Andrew Cuomo and urged voters to back Cuomo over other candidates — video of Trump remarks on LiveNOW from FOX, Nov. 4, 2025.
- He labeled Zohran Mamdani a “Communist” and called his record “complete and total failure” — video of Trump remarks on LiveNOW from FOX, Nov. 4, 2025.
- Trump warned he would limit federal funding to NYC if Mamdani wins, saying he would provide only “the very minimum as required” — video of Trump remarks on LiveNOW from FOX, Nov. 4, 2025.
- He argued Curtis Sliwa could act as a spoiler, suggesting a vote for Sliwa would help Mamdani — video of Trump remarks on LiveNOW from FOX, Nov. 4, 2025.
Trump endorses Cuomo, attacks Mamdani’s experience
In remarks captured by LiveNOW from FOX, Trump said he preferred Andrew Cuomo for mayor over Zohran Mamdani, framing the choice as one between experience and what he described as radical politics. He criticized Mamdani’s record as an assemblyman and mayoral prospect, calling it “complete and total failure.” The clip is available in the video of Trump remarks on LiveNOW from FOX, Nov. 4, 2025.
“I would much rather see a Democrat who has had a record of success win than a communist with no experience and a record of complete and total failure.”
Trump repeatedly used the label “Communist” for Mamdani and contrasted that with Cuomo’s record, urging voters to choose what he described as the safer alternative for the city’s future. The source for these quotations is the video of Trump remarks on LiveNOW from FOX, Nov. 4, 2025.
Threat to cut federal funding to NYC
Trump went beyond rhetoric and warned he would withhold federal aid from New York City if Mamdani were elected. On Truth Social and in the recorded remarks, he said he was unlikely to contribute federal funds “other than the very minimum as required” to New York City if a candidate he called a communist were to take office. The comments are recorded in the video of Trump remarks on LiveNOW from FOX, Nov. 4, 2025.
“It is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required, to my beloved first home, because of the fact that, as a Communist, this once great City has ZERO chance of success, or even survival!”
Legal and procedural context: The recorded statement is a political warning rather than a documented administrative action. Federal spending is governed by statutes and congressional appropriations; the video does not cite other federal officials or agencies supporting a plan to cut funding. See the video of Trump remarks on LiveNOW from FOX, Nov. 4, 2025 for the original statements.
Framing other candidates and the spoiler argument
Trump also weighed in on other candidates, warning that a vote for Republican Curtis Sliwa could effectively help Mamdani. “A vote for Curtis Sliwa…is a vote for Mamdani,” he said, describing Sliwa as a potential spoiler that could split votes and enable Mamdani to win. The comment appears in the same video of Trump remarks on LiveNOW from FOX, Nov. 4, 2025.
This argument aims to persuade conservative and centrist voters to back Cuomo instead of third-party or less viable options, shaping tactical voting calculations in a crowded race.
Political timing and broader campaign activity
The remarks came on the eve of multiple high-profile elections; Trump referenced support for GOP candidates in Virginia and New Jersey while urging voters to back conservative or centrist picks. The timing suggests an effort to influence results across several local races. The recorded clip was amplified via social media and national video coverage — see the video of Trump remarks on LiveNOW from FOX, Nov. 4, 2025.
Fact context and limits of available reporting
This article is based on the video of Trump remarks on LiveNOW from FOX, Nov. 4, 2025. The video captures Trump’s public statements and Truth Social posts; it does not include evidence that other federal officials or agencies endorsed the funding threat. There were no included reactions from Cuomo, Mamdani, Curtis Sliwa, or other local leaders in the available video, nor is there cited polling data measuring the remarks’ likely effect on voters.
Legal and political questions raised
Trump’s pledge to limit federal funds should be treated as a political threat, not an enacted policy. Formal reductions in federal payments or grants would require legal and congressional processes, and unilateral cuts tied to a local election would likely trigger legal and political challenges. The source material records intent but not formal action — see the video of Trump remarks on LiveNOW from FOX, Nov. 4, 2025.
Implications for Utah
Economic impact:
- Federal funding threats to New York City are unlikely to directly change federal dollars to Utah, but they could intensify national debates over federal grant rules that affect all states, including Utah.
- Utah’s economy relies on federal programs — infrastructure grants, defense contracts, and social programs — and heightened debates could pressure Utah lawmakers to defend those funding streams.
Political consequences:
- Utah conservatives following national GOP strategy may view Trump’s intervention as indicative of broader tactics to use federal leverage in local politics.
- The framing that federal dollars should be withheld from leaders deemed extreme may resonate with voters who favor stricter fiscal oversight.
Social effects:
- Labeling a candidate a “Communist” may sharpen ideological concerns among Utah audiences and spur conversations about public safety, governance, and the role of government.
- National nonprofit strategies and philanthropy could adjust in response to potential funding shortfalls in major cities, with indirect effects in states like Utah.
Cultural relevance and practical applications:
- Utah’s conservative culture may find Trump’s framing familiar, linking national culture fights to local voting behavior.
- Utah officials should watch for any formal federal moves; any real change in funding would require action by agencies or Congress, and local leaders can press members of Congress to protect state priorities.
Sources and full video of Trump remarks
LiveNOW from FOX video of Trump remarks, Nov. 4, 2025: video of Trump remarks on LiveNOW from FOX, Nov. 4, 2025
