FORMER PRESIDENT SAYS “YOU HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO VOTE FOR HIM”
Former President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for mayor of New York City, despite their long political rivalry. The statement came in a post on Trump’s social media platform, where he sharply criticized Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani, calling him a “Communist” who would lead the city into “a total economic and social disaster.”
Trump’s comments mark one of the most unusual political endorsements in recent memory, as Cuomo and Trump have clashed for years on policy and personal conduct. In the post, Trump wrote, “Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job.”
Trump argued that he would withhold most federal funding from New York City should Mamdani, whom he described as “far-left,” win the election. He said the city has “zero chance of success” under Mamdani’s leadership, framing the race as a referendum on the city’s survival.
The former president also referenced Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, suggesting that “a vote for Sliwa is a vote for Mamdani,” implying that internal party division could hand victory to the Democratic contender.
Cuomo has not yet responded publicly to Trump’s endorsement. The former governor, who resigned in 2021 amid misconduct allegations, has been positioning himself as a centrist Democrat capable of rebuilding New York’s economy.
Zohran Mamdani, a progressive New York State Assemblyman, has gained momentum among left-leaning voters with his platform focused on affordable housing, public transit, and anti-poverty measures.
Analysts say Trump’s endorsement could reshape the race, drawing conservative and moderate voters toward Cuomo as a strategic alternative to Mamdani. Political observers note that Trump’s messaging reflects his ongoing influence over urban and national politics.
The New York mayoral election is expected to be one of the most closely watched local races of 2026, testing the political dynamics between progressivism, centrism, and Trump-era populism.
