Trump wrote on Truth Social that if Mamdani prevails it is “highly unlikely” he will provide more than the “very minimum as required,” adding he did not want to send “good money after bad.” He made similar remarks on CBS’s 60 Minutes.
The president does not directly decide city funding; Congress appropriates money, and attempts to withhold it through impoundment have faced legal challenges.
A federal judge previously ordered the government to reverse the rescission of about $34 million in New York City counterterrorism funds, calling it “arbitrary” and illegal, according to the source text.
Trump has also clashed with the state over congestion pricing and noted the dispute again Monday.
The White House earlier withheld $18 billion for a tunnel project as the government shutdown began, the source text said.
Calling a vote for Sliwa “a vote for Mamdani,” Trump said he preferred “a Democrat, who has had a Record of Success” to win — a reference to Cuomo.
Cuomo, a lifelong Democrat running as an independent, echoed Trump on 77WABC radio and later said on Fox News the city needs “a mayor who can stand up to Donald Trump,” adding: “Trump will go through Mamdani like a hot knife through butter.”
Mamdani responded at a rally in Astoria, Queens, saying he had long expected Trump to back Cuomo.
He said Trump’s statements were “a threat. It is not the law,” and argued federal funds are “owed” to the city, not a presidential favor.
An Atlas Intel poll that ended Oct. 30 showed Mamdani leading with 41% support, compared with 34% for Cuomo and 24% for Sliwa.
(jh)
Source: The Guardian, Polskie Radio 24, RMF 24, CNN