Donald Trump has said he would withhold federal funding from New York if left-wing frontrunner Zohran Mamdani wins the upcoming mayoral election.

In an interview with CBS's 60 Minutes, President Trump called Mamdani a“communist” and claimed it would be“wasteful” to send federal money to a city run by him. Trump added,“If a communist runs New York, every dollar we send will be squandered.”

Federal records show that New York received about $7.4 billion in federal funding in the current fiscal year. Trump, who grew up in Queens, has repeatedly sought to reduce aid to Democrat-led cities, citing mismanagement and crime.

Mamdani, a 34-year-old state legislator and Democratic Socialist, dismissed Trump's remarks, promising to resist federal pressure if elected.“New York deserves leadership that fights for dignity, not fear. I'll ensure every dollar owed to this city is delivered,” he told reporters.

The Ugandan-born candidate, often compared to Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is polling ahead of former governor Andrew Cuomo. Mamdani has rejected claims of being a communist, saying with humor,“I'm more like a Scandinavian politician - just with darker skin.”

Cuomo, seeking a political comeback, has positioned himself as the“experienced alternative” who can work with Trump's administration if necessary.“I fought Trump during COVID-19 and won't stop fighting for New York,” Cuomo said in a debate.

Political analysts suggest Trump's comments are part of a strategy to rally conservative voters ahead of the November 4 general election, while also testing his influence over New York politics.

If Mamdani wins, he would become New York City's first South Asian and Muslim mayor - a symbolic moment in U.S. politics that could redefine the city's relationship with Washington under a Trump presidency.

MENAFN04112025000228011069ID1110291994