In a historic election that drew attention around the world, Zohran Mamdani secured victory in the New York City (NYC) mayoral race.
However, Mamdani’s victory was immediately marred by a threat from President Donald Trump to withhold federal funds from the city.
The 34-year-old Democratic representative and state assemblyman from Queens will be the city’s first millennial and Muslim mayor of South Asian descent.
He won against former independent governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. The 2025 New York mayoral election also saw the highest turnout since 1969.
But the celebratory atmosphere at Mamdani’s Brooklyn headquarters was tempered by the looming political confrontation with the White House.
Just hours earlier, President Trump escalated his attacks on Mamdani, whom he has repeatedly called a “communist.”
While posting on his Truth Social platform, the 47th US president wrote: “If communist candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the election for mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that he will contribute federal funds… due to the fact that, as a communist, this once great city has ZERO chance of success, or even survival!”
He also previously hinted at this move by stating that it would be difficult to send federal money to a city run by a “communist” during a 60 Minutes interview.
Responding to the looming threat, Mamdani directly addressed the elephant in the room, saying, “If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave him birth.”
“So, Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: ‘Turn up the volume,’” he said enthusiastically.
In response to Mamdani’s victory, Trump initially responded briefly on Truth Social: “…AND SO IT BEGINS!”
Can Trump legally withhold federal funds from any city?
The President’s claim to withhold federal funds from New York City raises serious legal and constitutional questions.
Under the United States Constitution, the power of the purse rests with Congress, not the President.
According to Article I, Section 9, Clause 7, “No money shall be withdrawn from the Treasury except in consequence of appropriations made by law; and a periodic statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public money shall be published from time to time.”
Additionally, in the United States Constitution, the Seizure Control Act of 1974 specifically limits the president’s power to withhold funds after President Richard Nixon previously attempted to do so.
Titles I through IX of the law are known as the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. Title II created the Congressional Budget Office.
Title III governs the procedures by which Congress annually adopts a budget resolution, a concurrent resolution not signed by the president, that establishes Congressional fiscal policy.
This budget resolution sets limits on revenues and expenditures that can be enforced in Congress through procedural objections called points of order. The budget resolution may also specify that a budget reconciliation bill be drafted, which Congress will then consider through expedited procedures.
What financing is at stake?
Federal funding plays a crucial role in the development of New York City.
According to the New York State Comptroller’s recent report, the city will receive $7.4 billion in federal funds by fiscal year 2026, representing 6.4% of its total budget.
These funds help support housing, social services, and programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Previously, the Trump administration blocked a $12 million grant for the New York Subway’s counterterrorism efforts.
The city is currently challenging that decision in court.
