Politics

Trump Cuomo NYC Mayor: Former President’s Praise Sparks Political Buzz

In a political twist few expected, Donald Trump recently remarked that Andrew Cuomo has a “good shot” at becoming the next New York City mayor. The statement has lit a firestorm of reactions across political lines, with progressive New York Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani’s camp branding the comment an outright “endorsement.”

As Trump continues to shape political narratives with just a few words, his unexpected nod to the former Democratic governor has created a ripple effect in New York’s already charged mayoral race. Let’s unpack what happened, why it matters, and how it could affect the city’s political future.

Trump Cuomo NYC Mayor: A Political Curveball

At a recent press event, Donald Trump was asked about the upcoming New York City mayoral election. Instead of promoting a Republican hopeful, the former president turned heads when he commented,

“Say what you want about Andrew Cuomo, but he’s got a good shot at being mayor. He knows the city.”

This brief but powerful statement has raised eyebrows from conservatives and liberals alike. After years of public tension between Trump and Cuomo—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic—the suggestion caught many off guard.

Cuomo’s Complicated Political Past

To understand the weight of Trump’s comment, it’s essential to look back at Andrew Cuomo’s journey. Cuomo served as New York’s governor from 2011 until 2021, when he resigned amidst multiple allegations of sexual misconduct—allegations he has denied but which significantly tarnished his political reputation.

Prior to that, Cuomo was seen as a moderate Democrat with strong support in New York City. He often promoted infrastructure growth, public transit reform, and a tough-on-crime approach. Yet, he also faced backlash from progressives who believed his policies didn’t go far enough to address income inequality and housing insecurity.

Now, more than three years after his resignation, Cuomo appears to be testing the political waters once again.

Mamdani Camp: “This Is an Endorsement”

Reacting swiftly to Trump’s comment, Zohran Mamdani’s campaign team called it exactly what it sounded like to them: an endorsement. Mamdani, a progressive voice in the New York State Assembly and a vocal supporter of democratic socialism, is expected to back a very different kind of candidate—one focused on housing for all, police accountability, and wealth redistribution.

In a sharply worded post on social media, Mamdani’s team wrote:

“If Donald Trump thinks Cuomo should be NYC’s next mayor, we know exactly what kind of leadership Cuomo offers. This isn’t just a comment—it’s an endorsement.”

The Mamdani camp appears eager to use this moment to distance themselves from Cuomo and paint his potential campaign as too aligned with establishment politics, or worse, aligned with someone like Trump.

Why Would Trump Endorse Cuomo?

On the surface, it seems like a contradiction. Trump is a Republican firebrand; Cuomo is a seasoned Democrat. So why would Trump offer even faint praise?

Here are a few possible explanations:

Strategic Disruption: Trump may be trying to stir division within the Democratic Party. If Cuomo runs, he could split votes between moderates and progressives, especially if the race includes left-leaning candidates like Mamdani.
Shared New York Roots: Despite their political differences, both Trump and Cuomo are deeply tied to New York’s power structures. Trump might simply respect Cuomo’s experience in managing one of the most complex governments in the country.
Media Attention: Trump thrives on headlines. By making such a statement, he grabs the spotlight once again and controls the political narrative—even in a Democratic city.

Cuomo’s Response: Silence So Far

As of now, Andrew Cuomo has not officially commented on Trump’s remark or the Mamdani campaign’s reaction. He has kept a relatively low public profile since his resignation, though he has appeared on several news shows recently discussing national issues like gun control and homelessness.

Cuomo has not ruled out a return to politics. Some analysts believe Trump’s unexpected praise may be just the spark he needs to gauge public interest in a potential 2025 NYC mayoral run.

The 2025 NYC Mayoral Race: What We Know

The next mayoral election in New York City will take place in 2025, and although the race is still in its early stages, the field is beginning to take shape. Some potential candidates being mentioned include:

Eric Adams (Incumbent): Depending on public sentiment and citywide issues like crime and housing, Adams may seek re-election.
Zohran Mamdani: Though not officially running, Mamdani has gained national attention and grassroots support from progressive circles.
Andrew Cuomo: With this recent Trump comment, speculation around Cuomo’s return is growing louder.
A Republican Challenger: It’s unclear who the GOP might field, but Trump’s involvement suggests they may have a stake in the race—even indirectly.

Progressive vs. Moderate: A Key Battle

New York’s political landscape is becoming increasingly divided between progressives and moderates. Trump’s comment only fuels this divide, especially if Cuomo returns to the spotlight.

If Cuomo runs, his centrist track record will likely attract moderate Democrats and older voters who value political experience. But progressives—many of whom supported Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and others like Mamdani—may rally harder than ever to stop what they view as a return to establishment politics.

Expect to see a heated primary battle if Cuomo enters the race, with housing, policing, and climate justice at the center of the debate.

Could Trump Help or Hurt Cuomo?

The big question now: Does Trump’s praise help or harm Cuomo?

On one hand, Trump’s comment could alienate liberal voters who would never want to support someone praised by the former president. On the other hand, it might position Cuomo as a bipartisan leader—someone who can get nods from both sides of the aisle.

But let’s not forget, Trump remains deeply unpopular in New York City. In the 2020 election, he received just 23% of the NYC vote. So any association with Trump could be political poison, especially in a Democratic primary.

Cuomo will have to tread carefully if he wants to leverage the moment without appearing too close to the controversial Republican.

Public Reactions: Mixed and Memed

On social media, New Yorkers were quick to share their opinions—often in sarcastic or humorous ways.

“Trump saying Cuomo should be mayor is like a landlord recommending a roach,” one user wrote.
Another posted: “2025 NYC mayoral race about to be a Netflix series.”

Some conservatives praised Trump’s comment, viewing Cuomo as one of the few Democrats who pushed back on far-left policies. Progressives, meanwhile, used the comment as a rallying cry to push for new, younger leadership.

What’s Next?

The fallout from Trump’s “good shot” comment is just beginning. Here’s what we’re watching:

Will Cuomo address Trump’s praise or make a public move toward candidacy?
Can Mamdani or other progressive voices use this moment to gain more support?
Will Trump continue to insert himself into local elections across blue states?

The next few months could be decisive in shaping not just the 2025 NYC mayoral race, but also the broader future of the Democratic Party in urban centers.

Final Thoughts

In New York City politics, anything can happen—and often does. Trump’s surprise praise of Cuomo adds a new layer of drama to an already high-stakes political game. Whether it helps or hinders Cuomo remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: the Trump Cuomo NYC mayor headline isn’t going away anytime soon.

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