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New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has brushed aside US President Donald Trump’s threat to cut federal funding to the city if elected. Responding to Trump’s comments, Mamdani said he viewed the warning as mere rhetoric and not something that would translate into real action. “There are many things that he will say and that he will do that will not actually bear out in the results within our own city,” Mamdani said. “I will treat his threats as they deserve to be treated, which are the words of a President, not law of the land.” The 33-year-old Democrat, who could become New York City’s first Muslim mayor, made his remarks as the campaign enters its final phase ahead of Tuesday’s crucial vote. Mamdani has focused on social housing, police reform, and equitable city funding as key issues in his platform. What did Trump say? President Trump has repeatedly targeted Mamdani on the campaign trail and in interviews, describing him as a “communist” rather than a “socialist,” the label Mamdani uses to define his politics. “He’s far worse than a socialist,” Trump told, claiming that federal funds would be “wasted” under Mamdani’s leadership. Trump also took personal jabs, calling himself “a much better-looking person” than Mamdani. He further urged Jewish New Yorkers not to vote for the Democratic candidate, branding those who did as “stupid” because of Mamdani’s vocal criticism of Israeli policy. Trump even expressed a preference for former governor Andrew Cuomo, describing him as a “bad Democrat” but “better than Mamdani.” Mamdani’s response Mamdani dismissed the remarks as political bluster, saying that federal funding for cities is bound by law and cannot be withheld arbitrarily. “The funds owed to New York are a matter of legality, not presidential whim,” he earlier had said, urging voters to focus on real issues such as housing, affordability, and community safety rather than political theatre. The heated exchanges underscore the deep political polarisation in the United States, particularly as Trump’s second term continues to reshape local and national politics. NYC mayor election The New York City mayoral election, one of several key races being held across the US, has drawn intense national attention. Mamdani faces independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in a three-way race. Polls close at 9 p.m. local time (02:00 GMT Wednesday or 7:30 AM Indian Standard Time IST), with early results expected soon after.
