In a move nobody saw coming and that both parties are still talking about, former U.S. President Donald Trump formally backed ex-New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for the New York City mayoral race. It’s true, a Republican like Trump is publicly backing a Democrat for one of the most influential urban positions in the US.
A Shocking Turn in New York Politics
The politics of New York has been argued to be very uncertain, however, this particular endorsement surprised even the most experienced pundits. On his platform, Truth Social, Trump made this announcement, indicating that although Cuomo is no one’s darling, he is still preferable to the left-wing front-runner Zohran Mamdani.
“If I remember correctly, which I really don’t, Andrew Cuomo was not a good guy nonetheless, you have no other option,” Trump wrote. “He is the one doing the work that needs to be done. Mamdani is not.”
The former president with that brief statement not only challenged the mayoral race in NYC to a great extent – he also stirred up a bigger and more complex debate about ideological borders, pragmatism, and the future of U.S. politics.
Why Would Trump Back a Democrat?
First off, it looks strange. Trump and Cuomo were at each other’s throats during the COVID-19 pandemic and while attacking each other’s leadership styles. Nevertheless, politics, as the past keeps telling us, isn’t about friends, but rather about strategy.
Experts concluded that Trump’s endorsement might be due to:
- Pragmatism: Trump likes a centrist Democrat better than a democratic socialist such as Mamdani.
- Influence: Trump, by endorsing Cuomo, is installing himself as a power broker even in deeply liberal New York.
- Funding leverage: Trump implied that if Mamdani were to win, the city might not get the funds it needs from the federal government.
This line of action reflects Trump’s long-term point of view: when confronted with two antagonists, decide for the one that strengthens your argument and position.
Cuomo’s Response: Calm but Calculated
When touched by the news, Cuomo’s team described it as “unexpected but welcome.” While Cuomo has politically tried to separate himself from Trump, he is also aware of the fact that Trump’s words carry weight – especially among moderate and independent voters.
Cuomo communicated the following to New Yorkers: “I fought Trump back then and I will fight for New York once more. What is important now is leadership that delivers.” With his statement, he aims to offset progressive losses by gaining moderate support through Trump’s backing.
Zohran Mamdani: The New Face of the Left
On the other hand, Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic candidate and the progressive community’s bright star, keeps attracting the strong support of young voters and grassroots organizations. He calls himself a democratic socialist but denies being a communist – a label that Trump kept using in his speeches.
Mamdani’s team has been arguing this endorsement as an instance of “the old political establishment uniting to protect themselves from changes.” This sentiment gets fuel from those who feel oppressed by traditional power structures in New York.
What This Means for the 2025 Mayoral Race
Surprising endorsement has turned a tightly watched race into a discussion of the entire nation.
It causes a bunch of serious questions such as:
- Could Cuomo convince the moderate and conservative voters to support him in a predominantly Democratic city?
- Would Trump’s intervention be a reason for Cuomo’s image to deteriorate or improve?
- Could Mamdani use this situation as a catalyst to gather and unite the new generation of progressives around him?
Political experts say Trump’s move might energize both sides, boosting Cuomo’s visibility and motivating Mamdani’s supporters to vote.
Beyond New York: A Signal for 2026 and 2028
The current moment may be a local twist with larger implications. Trump’s statements are often loaded with symbolic meaning. The very fact that he endorses a Democrat is a way to tell voters that being ideologically pure is not that important after all, what really counts are loyalty and control. The message could reach beyond the 2026 midterms and even influence the 2028 presidential race.
Final Thoughts
Whatever be the case may be, Donald Trump’s decision to do what he did has one thing in common: his power to influence American politics is still very much there. By endorsing Cuomo, once again, he has demonstrated his mastery of dominating the talk, changing the narratives, and blurring traditional party lines. The real question that comes to mind, besides who the next mayor will be, is what effect this endorsement will have on the future of American politics?”
