Former President Donald Trump has directed a pointed warning at New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, stating that if he is elected, he must “do the right thing” to avoid losing federal funding. This statement comes as Trump continues to express his opposition to policies he deems unfavorable, particularly those from Democratic leaders.
During an interview with Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo that aired on Sunday, Trump referred to Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, as “a communist.” He stressed that unless there is strict enforcement of a set of guidelines at play, federal money could be stripped from Mamdani’s administration.
“Let’s say this, if he does get in, I’m going to be president and he’s going to have to do the right thing, or they’re not getting any money,” Trump stated. This comment echoes his previous threats to strip funding from California over Governor Gavin Newsom’s policies regarding transgender athletes in women’s sports.
Trump’s comments are worse than Mamdani. He has promised to withhold funding from any New York City mayoral candidate who pledges to enact Bernie Sanders-style, lefty policies. We know by now that he doesn’t shy away from using federal funds as a political tool. Countless examples expose this pattern, particularly among the local pols in deep blue states who resist his administration’s agenda.
In light of Trump’s comments, Mamdani has expressed frustration over the former president’s focus on personal attacks. “I am not and I have already had to start to get used to the fact that the president will talk about how I look, how I sound, where I’m from, who I am,” he remarked.
This new move is the latest as Trump continues to be active and influential in other political spheres. He organized the recent ‘One, Big, Beautiful’ event to line up GOP senators in support of a tax bill. All the while, he’s facing a defamation lawsuit related to the Central Park Five case. Furthermore, he has shown a willingness to bypass established deadlines, stating during a press conference, “We can do whatever we want.”
As the election draws nearer, the implications of Trump’s threats could shape the dynamics of the mayoral race in New York City. Candidates more than ever need to thread the needle on their positions. They know they can’t risk incurring the former president’s wrath, as that could threaten crucial contested federal dollars for their projects and plans.