Trump Warns: NYC May Face Federal Takeover If ‘Communist’ Mamdani Wins
President Donald Trump has warned that he may be forced to use federal authority in New York City if State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is elected mayor, citing concerns that the city would fall under “communist” leadership.
“If a communist gets elected to run New York, it can never be the same. But we have tremendous power at the White House to run places where we have to,” President Trump said, according to comments given to The New York Post.
Trump suggested that the federal government may consider steps to oversee or guide the city’s operations should Mamdani win the mayoral election.
“New York City will run properly. I’m going to bring New York back. I love New York,” he said.
“We’re going to straighten out New York. It’s going to — maybe we’re going to have to straighten it out from Washington.”
While he didn’t specify what federal powers may be used, Trump emphasized that his administration is committed to restoring order and prosperity in the city.
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The president previously clashed with New York City officials during his first term, at one point threatening to withhold federal funds over concerns that the city was tolerating lawlessness.
On Tuesday, Trump echoed a similar sentiment, indicating that federal action may again be necessary.
“We’re going to do something for New York. I can’t tell you what yet, but we’re going to make New York great again. Also, we’re going to make it great again with the country,” Trump said.
Mamdani, a self-described Democratic Socialist and member of the New York State Assembly, recently secured the Democratic nomination, defeating incumbent Mayor Eric Adams in the primary.
When asked if he believed Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa should drop out of the race, Trump said, “I’m not getting involved.”
He also remarked on the field of candidates, including former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
“Cuomo does have capability. He’s running, but he got knocked out. You have Eric Adams, the current mayor, you have Cuomo, and you have Curtis Sliwa? And Curtis runs every, every four years. He seems to be a fixture on the running scale,” Trump said.
Trump then questioned Mamdani’s qualifications and raised concerns about his policy positions.
“He’s a disaster … He’s got the Democrat nomination because that shows you where the Democrats have gone,” the president said.
The president also highlighted Mamdani’s reported support for municipal ownership of grocery stores.
“He actually wants to take over the grocery stores of John Catsimatidis,” Trump said.
[Catsimatidis] actually called me the other day, he’s concerned, his stores are going to be taken from him.“