President Donald Trump sharply criticized New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday, September 15th, for endorsing Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani, calling the move “a rather shocking development” and warning it could threaten federal funding for New York City.
Trump, who labeled Mamdani a “liddle’ Communist,” posted on Truth Social that Hochul’s backing of the Queens state assemblymember was “very bad” for the city. “Washington will be watching this situation very closely. No reason to be sending good money after bad!” he added.
The endorsement, announced Sunday, positions Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, to consolidate support within the Democratic Party ahead of the November election. Hochul, running for a second term as governor, praised Mamdani’s platform in a New York Times op-ed, emphasizing his efforts to make life more affordable for New Yorkers while noting that she does not necessarily agree with all of his policies. “New York City deserves a mayor who will stand up to Donald Trump and make life more affordable for New Yorkers. That’s Zohran Mamdani,” she wrote.
Mamdani expressed gratitude for Hochul’s support, emphasizing its role in unifying the Democratic Party and recognizing the governor’s work in expanding access to childcare and free lunch programs for New York City students.
