Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has issued a controversial warning that President Donald Trump would try to take over New York City should progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani win the mayoral race. During an interview on “Straight Shooter with Stephen A.,” Cuomo claimed that Trump’s administration could exert overwhelming federal control over the city, potentially leading to closures of airports and financial instability. Cuomo further argued that Trump would frame Mamdani’s win as a justification for militarizing the city, using the National Guard and ICE to assert dominance. This comes amid Trump’s recent rhetoric about sending National Guard units to cities like New York, and Cuomo suggested that Mamdani’s election would provide Trump with a perfect pretext for such actions.
Cuomo’s remarks were part of a broader strategy to position himself as the city’s best bet against what he describes as a dangerous brand of left-wing governance. He argued that the Trump administration’s policies would directly impact New York City, with the federal government potentially taking over critical city services. During the interview, Cuomo highlighted several scenarios, including the potential for Trump to shut down major airports under the guise of regulatory control. He also warned that the city’s financial health could be at risk, with the federal government imposing measures that could lead to bankruptcy.
Adding to the controversy, Cuomo suggested that Mamdani’s platform — which includes progressive policies such as decriminalizing certain drugs and legalizing prostitution — would provide Trump with the perfect excuse to escalate federal intervention in the city. In his view, Trump would use Mamdani’s election to justify actions like deploying the National Guard and increasing ICE presence, framing these actions as necessary to protect the city from the alleged dangers of leftist governance. This perspective is consistent with Trump’s recent statements about sending National Guard units to cities like New York, which he said would be necessary to address issues like crime and public safety.
The controversy surrounding Cuomo’s comments has drawn attention from both supporters and critics. Supporters argue that his warnings reflect genuine concerns about the potential for federal overreach and the impact of progressive governance on city services and finances, while critics have accused him of using fear tactics to sway public opinion. The debate has also sparked renewed interest in the mayoral race, with many New Yorkers weighing the potential consequences of a Mamdani victory against the risks of a Cuomo administration.
In a recent Quinnipiac University poll, Mamdani holds a 10-point lead over Cuomo in the mayoral race, down from a 13-point lead earlier this month. Despite the poll’s latest findings, Cuomo’s continued criticism of Mamdani and his warnings about Trump’s potential actions have kept the race in the national spotlight. As the election approaches, the race is likely to remain a focal point of political discourse, particularly as the broader context of the U.S. political landscape continues to evolve.