Trump and Musk Endorse Cuomo in Tight NYC Mayoral Race
President Donald Trump's endorsement of Andrew Cuomo for New York City mayor landed late Monday, followed quickly by Tesla CEO Elon Musk's support for the independent candidate. The moves come as Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani leads in recent polls, adding fresh tension to Tuesday's vote.
Trump posted on Truth Social: "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." Musk echoed the call on X, urging voters to back Cuomo over Mamdani and Republican Curtis Sliwa, while mocking the Democrat's name as "Mumdumi or whatever his name is." These high-profile nods aim to sway undecideds in a contest drawing national eyes.
Mamdani, a 34-year-old state assemblyman and Democratic Socialists of America member, leads with pledges for rent freezes, expanded social services, and higher corporate taxes. A Marist Poll last week showed him up 16 points over Cuomo among likely voters, while Emerson College polling gave him a 25-point edge. Trump's warnings about federal funding cuts if Mamdani wins have gained traction. In a "60 Minutes" interview aired Monday, he said: "Because if you have a communist running New York, all you're doing is wasting the money you're sending there." Such threats worry city leaders reliant on Washington aid.
Cuomo, who lost the Democratic primary in June and now runs independently, stresses public safety, education, and housing reforms. His campaign has drawn big money from donors like hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, who gave $1.75 million to groups opposing Mamdani. Ackman has called a socialist mayor "catastrophic for New York," pushing for pragmatic fixes to the affordability crunch over bold changes. At least 26 donors contributed $100,000 or more, including cosmetics heir Ronald Lauder. Sliwa, the Guardian Angels founder, polls in single digits and risks splitting the anti-Mamdani vote.
Voters now weigh Cuomo's experience against Mamdani's fresh ideas, with endorsements stirring debate on policy and personality. Early voting ended Monday, and polls open Tuesday at 6 a.m.
Zohran Mamdani connects with voters, taking selfies with supporters while campaigning for New York City mayor.
Federal Aid at Stake: NYC's Budget Ties to the Mayoral Outcome
New York City's budget leans on $7.4 billion in federal funds for fiscal year 2026, covering 6.4% of its $115.6 billion total spending on items like education and transit. Trump's talk of cuts targets discretionary grants, which could force local tax increases or service trims if withheld. This setup works like a household relying on steady checks—lose them, and everyday costs rise to fill the gap.
For residents, the impact shows in rent and taxes: A funding drop might add 5-10% to property bills, turning a typical $3,000 monthly payment into an extra $150-300 hit. According to analysis reviewed by Finance Monthly, cities facing federal shortfalls see 15-20% drops in service efficiency, leading to longer waits for housing aid or bus delays. Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, a vocal Cuomo backer, highlights the risk: High corporate taxes under Mamdani could drive jobs away, while federal pushback starves key projects—leaving families with higher living expenses either way.
A mid-sized East Coast city once recovered only 60% of a $500 million federal cut through bonds, raising sales taxes by 0.5% for years. The key here: Monitor NYC's general obligation bond yields today—they could rise 20-30 basis points on Mamdani strength, signaling pricier city borrowing that feeds into your water or school fees.
Takeaway for New Yorkers: Log into the city's finance site now and run a quick tax estimator for a 7% hike—then shift $200 monthly into a no-fee savings account at Capital One. This buffers against shifts from the winner's agenda, turning election noise into personal prep.
The race wraps with lines forming early Tuesday. Mamdani energizes progressives, Cuomo courts moderates, and outside voices like Trump and Musk test their pull. The result could shift city priorities for years.
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo appears at a public hearing, days after joking he’d move to Florida if Zohran Mamdani wins the NYC mayoral race.
Voter Pulse: Key Questions in the NYC Mayoral Showdown
Why Did Trump and Musk Back Cuomo Against Mamdani in 2025?
Trump and Musk supported Cuomo to counter Mamdani's progressive platform, with Trump eyeing federal fund leverage and Musk calling out Sliwa as a vote-splitter.
What's Andrew Cuomo's Net Worth in 2025?
Andrew Cuomo's net worth stands at $10-13 million in 2025, from book advances, speeches, and his state pension, according to Forbes.
Could Trump Cut Federal Funding to NYC Under a Mamdani Mayoralty?
Trump could trim discretionary grants worth up to $7.4 billion, funding 6.4% of NYC's budget, but mandatory programs like Medicaid would remain intact by law.
