Trump’s Federal Funding Threat Fails to Stop Zohran Mamdani, Who Becomes NYC’s First Muslim, South Asian Mayor
Hours before the New York City mayoral election began on Monday, former US President Donald Trump made a controversial statement. While endorsing Andrew Cuomo, he also issued a threat to New York City: if the Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani won, he would cut off federal funding to the city.
Trump’s fear turned into reality as Mamdani successfully secured the mayoral seat in New York. He is set to become the mayor of the largest city in the US and its first Muslim and South Asian-origin politician to hold the office.
Trump’s “Communist” Claim and Funding Threat
On Sunday, during an interview on CBS News’ “60 Minutes” program, Trump hinted, “Mamdani is a Communist. If he wins, it will be difficult to send money to New York.”
Trump wrote on his ‘Truth Social’ platform:
“If the Communist candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the New York City mayoral election, I will not provide any federal funds beyond the necessary minimum. A city led by a Communist has no chance of success.”
He further wrote: “I strongly believe that if Mamdani wins, New York City will face a complete economic and social disaster. I would rather see a Democrat win who has a record of success, not a failed Communist.”
In his CBS interview, Trump also said, “If there is a Communist in New York, sending money there means wasting that money. I wouldn’t want to send money to New York then.”
The Role of Federal Funding in NYC
A report by the New York State Comptroller states that the city will require $7.4 billion in federal funds in the 2026 fiscal year. This funding accounts for 6.4% of the city’s total budget.
New York City’s operating budget for 2025 was $9.7 billion, including $1.1 billion in pandemic funds. A large portion of this money goes to the city’s housing and social service agencies.
The Constitutional Challenge to Trump’s Threat
The US Constitution states that the power to allocate federal funds belongs to Congress, not the President.
• According to Article I, Sections 8 and 9 of the Constitution, Congress is responsible for collecting taxes and deciding on expenditures.
• A President unilaterally shutting off funds would be considered unconstitutional.
Furthermore, the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 stipulates that a President can only withhold funds approved by Congress for a maximum of 45 days, and this action is not effective without Congressional approval.
It is noted that the Republican Party currently controls Congress. Republicans hold 53 seats in the Senate (compared to 47 Democrats) and 220 seats in the House of Representatives (compared to 212 Democrats).
Trump’s administration had previously withheld federal funds from New York. During Mayor Eric Adams’ tenure, $12 million allocated for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) was suspended. This money was intended for the police department’s counter-terrorism activities.
The State Comptroller’s report further warned: “New York City has been informed that hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds could be cut or suspended.” It is estimated that the city’s daily budget could be reduced by up to $400 million in FY 2025 and $135 million in FY 2026.
