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By Daniel Orton
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President Donald Trump slammed New York Governor Kathy Hochul after she publicly endorsed democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani for mayor of New York City, calling the move "a very bad one for New York City" and suggesting that federal funding to the city could be in jeopardy.
In a Truth Social post early Monday, the president wrote: "Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has Endorsed the 'Liddle' Communist,' Zohran Mamdani, running for Mayor of New York. This is a rather shocking development, and a very bad one for New York City. How can such a thing happen? Washington will be watching this situation very closely. No reason to be sending good money after bad! President DJT."
The remark appeared to be a subtle threat echoing previous statements Trump has made about funding to New York should Mamdani win.
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Why It Matters
Hochul's endorsement comes less than two months before the general election, giving a significant boost to Mamdani, a 33-year-old progressive New York State assemblyman who has surged ahead in the polls with support from left-leaning voters.
Trump's attack signals his intent to inject federal influence into the race and potentially leverage fiscal policy to punish political decisions he opposes.
Mamdani's lead has grown even as high-profile national Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have held back endorsements.
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What To Know
In an op-ed for The New York Times, Hochul defended her decision, writing of Mamdani, "We've had our disagreements. But in our conversations, I heard a leader who shares my commitment to a New York where children can grow up safe in their neighborhoods and where opportunity is within reach for every family."
Hochul said her endorsement followed "frank conversations" with Mamdani.
She also emphasized shared goals of affordability, law enforcement support, and economic development: "I urged him to ensure that there is strong leadership at the helm of the N.Y.P.D. — and he agreed," Hochul wrote.
Polls show Mamdani holding a 22-point lead over former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent. Republican Curtis Sliwa and incumbent Democratic Mayor Eric Adams (who is now running as an independent) trail behind.
Trump, who once referred to Adams as a "very nice person," has dismissed Sliwa as "not exactly prime time," and labeled Mamdani as "my little communist mayor."
Despite Trump's characterization, Mamdani is not a communist; the New York State Assembly member works within the mainstream political system, advancing progressive policies such as affordable housing, public transit investment, and tenant protections, none of which align with communist ideology or the abolition of private property.
Trump and his administration have repeatedly threatened to cut off federal funding to New York City. His Department of Transportation warned it would withhold up to 25 percent of federal transit money from the MTA over worker safety concerns, while Trump personally threatened to strip funding if Mamdani won office and "didn't behave."
The Trump administration previously attempted to block federal approval of New York's congestion pricing program—an effort that a judge later halted—and imposed a broader freeze on grants and loans, which included funds destined for the city.
What People Are Saying
Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani responded to New York Governor Kathy Hochul's endorsement on X: "I'm grateful for the Governor's support in unifying our party, her resolve in standing up to Trump, and her focus on making New York affordable. I look forward to the great work we will accomplish together. Our movement is only growing stronger."
Democratic Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen on Saturday criticized Democrats for not endorsing Mamdani: "Many Democratic members of the Senate and the House representing New York have stayed on the sidelines. That kind of spineless politics is what people are sick of. They need to get behind him and get behind him now."
What Happens Next
As Mamdani's lead grows and national attention sharpens on the race, the fallout from Hochul's endorsement—and Trump's counteroffensive—could become a defining moment for the future of Democratic politics in New York City.
The general election is scheduled for November 4.
Update 9/15/25, 9:16 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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