President Trump intensified his attacks on Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic front-runner for mayor of New York City, and Governor Kathy Hochul, threatening to withhold federal funding if Mamdani is elected. At a joint appearance in Queens, Hochul praised Mamdani's advocacy for struggling families and pledged to work with him on universal child care, while publicly resisting Trump's threats. The alliance between Hochul and Mamdani, despite their differing political views, signals a strategic partnership as Hochul seeks re-election and Mamdani pushes a populist agenda, including free buses and increased taxes on the wealthy.

The political landscape is further complicated by former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent and has criticized Mamdani's positions on housing and the war in Gaza, while offering rare praise for Trump's role in brokering a cease-fire. Hochul's endorsement of Mamdani has drawn criticism from Republican leaders, but she remains committed to collaborating with him to address affordability and social issues in New York City.