President Donald Trump, serving his second term, has signaled that federal support for New York City could be in jeopardy if State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani wins Tuesday’s mayoral election. During a wide-ranging “60 Minutes” interview, the president Trump described Mamdani as a “communist” and dismissed comparisons that portray the candidate as a left-wing version of himself.
Trump, who maintains New York roots despite relocating his primary residence to Florida, suggested that a Mamdani victory would make it difficult for his administration to justify federal spending on the city. He also contrasted Mamdani with former Governor Andrew Cuomo, calling Cuomo a “bad Democrat” he would prefer over what he characterized as “a Communist running New York.”
President Trump Funding Threat and Political Stakes
In the interview, Trump drew a sharp line on federal investment in New York City, asserting that his administration would not “waste” taxpayer funds if Mamdani takes office.
“It’s gonna be hard for me as the president to give a lot of money to New York,” he said. “Because if you have a Communist running New York, all you’re doing is wasting the money you’re sending there.”
Trump emphasized a strategic preference, stating that if the choice were between “a bad Democrat and a Communist,” he would support the former. He also pushed back on comments that he would effectively act as New York’s mayor if Mamdani wins, calling such claims “so crazy.”
Polling ahead of Tuesday’s election shows Mamdani holding a significant lead over Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, signaling a major shift in city politics that could test federal-local cooperation under the Trump administration.
Immigration Enforcement and Shutdown Showdown
The interview also revisited ongoing debates over immigration enforcement. The president expressed unwavering support for ICE operations and argued that judicial constraints—particularly rulings from judges appointed under the Obama and Biden administrations—have slowed deportations.
“Many of them are murderers… people from jails and prisons,” Trump said, defending his position that those entering the country unlawfully must be removed before being considered for legal re-entry.
Trump also addressed the prolonged federal government shutdown, now extending into its second month. He criticized Democrats for refusing to negotiate and accused them of suffering from “Trump derangement syndrome.”
“Eventually, they’re gonna have to vote,” he insisted, expressing optimism that a resolution would be reached.
Media Battles and Legal Victory
The appearance marked Trump’s return to “60 Minutes” after resolving a legal dispute with CBS News regarding the network’s 2024 interview with then-candidate Kamala Harris. Paramount reportedly settled the lawsuit for $16 million ahead of its merger approval, and the network subsequently underwent leadership changes tied to the controversy.
Paramount’s recent internal shifts, including hiring figures aligned with conservative political viewpoints, suggest a changing media-political dynamic as Donald enters his tenth month back in office.
