In a landmark election that attracted worldwide attention, Zohran Mamdani has secured victory in the mayoral race in New York City (NYC).
However, Mamdani’s victory was immediately overshadowed 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 become the city’s first millennial and Muslim mayor of South Asian descent.
He won over independent former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. The 2025 NYC mayoral election also observed the highest turnout since 1969.
But the celebratory mood at Mamdani’s Brooklyn headquarters was tempered by the looming political confrontation with the White House.
Just hours earlier, President Trump stepped up his attacks on Mamdani, whom he has repeatedly labeled 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, I am highly unlikely to contribute federal funds… due to the fact that as a Communist this once great city has ZERO chance of success, or even survival!”
He previously also hinted at this move, saying during a 60 Minutes interview that it would be difficult to send federal money to a city run by a “communist.”
Responding to the looming threat, Mamdani addressed the elephant in the room directly, saying: “If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it’s 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 enthused.
Reacting to Mamdani’s victory, Trump initially responded briefly on Truth Social, “…AND SO IT BEGINS!”
Can Trump legally withhold any city’s federal funds?
The President’s claim to withhold federal funds from NYC raises serious legal and constitutional questions.
According to the US Constitution, the power of the purse rests with Congress, not the president.
According to Article I, Section 9, Clause 7, “No money shall be drawn from the treasury but in consequence of appropriations made by law; and a regular summary and account of all the receipts and expenditures of public moneys shall from time to time be published.”
In the US Constitution, the 1974 Impoundment Control Act specifically limits the president’s power to withhold funds after President Richard Nixon previously attempted to do so.
Titles I through IX of the act 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 fiscal policy for Congress.
This budget resolution sets limits on revenue and spending that can be enforced in Congress through procedural objections called points of order. The budget resolution may also specify that a budget ballot proposal be written, which Congress will then consider under expedited procedures.
What funding is at stake?
Federal funding plays a critical role in the development of New York City.
According to the recent New York State Comptroller report, the city is set to receive $7.4 billion in federal funds for fiscal year 2026, which is 6.4% of its total budget.
This funding helps support housing, social services and programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Earlier, the Trump administration blocked a $12 million grant for the NYPD’s fight against terrorism in the subway.
The municipality is currently challenging this decision in court.
