Andrew Cuomo Walks Back Claim of Trump Endorsement Talks amid Controversy over Potential Collaboration in New York City Mayoral Race

In a press conference held in Manhattan on Thursday, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo refuted allegations that he had spoken with President Donald Trump regarding the upcoming New York City mayoral election.

“That’s false,” Cuomo stated to reporters, denying any communication with the president.

However, Cuomo did express his belief that he would be better equipped than Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani to navigate the complexities of dealing with a President Trump who maintains close ties to New York City politics despite widespread disapproval among Democrats in the city.

“My understanding of the political landscape would provide me with a strong position against the president, while simultaneously seeking cooperation where beneficial for New York,” Cuomo explained.

Since the gunman’s attempt on Trump’s life at a Pennsylvania rally last year, Cuomo, now running as an independent candidate, has not reached out to the President. He also stated that he would decline any endorsement from Trump should it be offered.

“I cannot recall my last conversation with President Trump,” Cuomo said.

Cuomo’s strategy to court business leaders and high-net-worth donors concerned about Mamdani’s proposals, such as taxing the city’s wealthiest residents, was evident during a closed-door meeting with city business executives on Wednesday. According to attendees who spoke anonymously, Cuomo described his relationship with Trump as a “dysfunctional marriage,” expressing that he wasn’t seeking confrontation but cooperation where possible.

Mamdani capitalized on the opportunity to link Cuomo with Trump and the city’s powerful elite during a press conference held in Lower Manhattan on Thursday. Flanked by members of 1199SEIU, the healthcare workers union that supports his campaign, Mamdani asserted that a Cuomo administration would be Trump’s “worst nightmare.”

“Former Governor Cuomo has been colluding with President Trump regarding the future of this city and the dynamics of this race,” Mamdani stated.

Cuomo, who resigned from office in 2021 following sexual harassment allegations by state employees, faces a challenging balancing act when it comes to Trump. Although he denies the accusations, Cuomo is now arguing that he is both capable of fending off Trump’s attacks on New York City and open to working with him for the city’s benefit.

“Nobody has had more contentious relationships with President Trump than I have,” Cuomo told reporters. “But at the same time, he could be very beneficial to New York City.”

Cuomo argued that a Mamdani victory would bolster the argument by Republicans and Trump supporters that Democrats have moved too far to the left. He also suggested that Trump might consider federal intervention in New York City should Mamdani win the election.

“I think it would be like Los Angeles on steroids,” Cuomo said, referring to recent events involving Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and high-profile immigration raids in Los Angeles. “I think the President would like control of New York City. Why does he want control of New York City? Because he’s from New York City.”

Mamdani, who has not spoken to Trump, dismissed concerns that his candidacy would make the city a target for the president. He stated that he would be willing to engage with the administration if it could benefit New Yorkers but would not solicit Trump’s help to undermine Democratic support for himself or incumbent Mayor Eric Adams.

“What I will not do, however, is call Trump to discuss collaboration aimed at defeating the will of Democrats across this city,” Mamdani said, characterizing Cuomo as a “pretender” seeking royal status.

Republican Joe Borelli, a former New York City Council member representing areas where Trump enjoys support, believes Trump’s potential involvement in the race could only strengthen Mamdani’s campaign.

“Two-thirds of city voters are registered Democrats, one-fifth are Republicans,” Borelli said. “I am confident that Team Mamdani is hoping for a Trump endorsement.”

However, Borelli also argued that a Mamdani victory would benefit Trump politically.

“Cuomo is correct in identifying Mamdani as a gift to the Republican Party,” Borelli stated. “He will serve as the boogeyman in every midterm congressional campaign, the scare-quote in every TV ad.”