President Donald Trump on Monday sharply criticized New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s endorsement of Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani, renewing his long-running attacks on the progressive candidate and suggesting federal funding for New York City could be at risk if Mamdani wins in November.
Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that he was “shocked” by Hochul’s decision, calling Mamdani the “'Liddle' Communist” and warning: “How can such a thing happen? Washington will be watching this situation very closely. No reason to be sending good money after bad!” The president has repeatedly labeled Mamdani a communist since the younger politician won the Democratic primary in June.
Mamdani, 33, a state assembly member and self-described democratic socialist from Queens, captured the Democratic nomination after a high-profile primary in which he defeated former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and other contenders. His campaign has promoted progressive proposals including fare-free bus service, tuition-free City University of New York (CUNY), a rent freeze for municipal housing, expanded childcare for children up to age 5 and city-run grocery stores. Mamdani has denied being a communist.
Hochul’s endorsement, announced nearly three months after the primary, drew immediate attention because it represents a significant establishment backing in a high-stakes mayoral contest and may encourage other party leaders to follow. In a social media post, Hochul said, “New York City deserves a mayor who will stand up to Donald Trump and make life more affordable for New Yorkers. That’s @ZohranKMamdani.”
Mamdani said he was “grateful to the Governor for her support in unifying our party — as well as the work she’s done standing up to President Trump, securing free lunch meals for our kids, and expanding access to childcare.”
The endorsement is likely to increase pressure on other senior Democrats who have so far withheld public backing, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Political operatives said the governor’s support could help Mamdani consolidate establishment resources and broaden his appeal with voters who sought reassurance about his ability to govern a city of nearly nine million people.
Public polling in recent weeks has shown Mamdani with double-digit leads over his rivals in the general election matchup. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary, has retooled his campaign in an effort to regain traction. Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, the Guardian Angels co-founder, trails in the polls. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, running as an independent after skipping the Democratic primary, remains further back.
Reports in recent days suggested Adams might drop out of the race; the mayor’s office rejected that reporting. "Let me be perfectly clear: Any rumor or tweet suggesting Mayor Adams is stepping down this week is complete bulls---," Adams spokesman Todd Shapiro said, adding that the reports were being spread by “desperate opponents.”
Trump’s repeated characterization of Mamdani as a communist has been a consistent theme of his commentary on the New York mayoral contest. Following Mamdani’s June primary victory, Trump called him a “100% Communist Lunatic” and has continued to warn that the city would become “a communist city” if Mamdani were elected. The White House and federal agencies did not immediately weigh in on the prospect of limiting federal funds to New York City.
The endorsement fight underscores broader tensions within the Democratic Party as the New York mayoral race draws national attention and as local policy proposals become focal points in a contest that could reshape city governance. Mamdani’s candidacy also represents generational and ideological shifts in New York politics, as he would be the city’s first Muslim and first millennial mayor if elected.
Campaign activity in the coming weeks is expected to intensify as the general election approaches in November, with candidates seeking to define themselves to a broad and diverse electorate while party leaders decide how and when to commit support.