Mamdani, Cuomo Each Say With Straight Face That Vote For The Other Is Vote For Trump

Socialist Democratic New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani and independent candidate, former Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, each claimed during Wednesday evening’s debate that the other a vote in support of President Donald Trump.

New York City’s mayoral candidates took the stage for the second and final time in a two-hour debate to discuss policies and how they plan to lead the U.S.’ largest city. During his remarks, Mamdani called Cuomo Trump’s “puppet,” claiming the president’s pick for mayor is the former Democratic governor.

“We first just heard from the Republican candidate for mayor [Curtis Sliwa] and then we heard from Donald Trump’s puppet himself, Andrew Cuomo. You could turn on TV any day of the week and you will hear Donald Trump share that his pick for mayor is Andrew Cuomo. And he wants Andrew Cuomo to be the mayor not because it will be good for New Yorkers,  but because it will be good for him,” Mamdani said.

Mamdani went on to say that Trump ran on conducting mass deportations, lowering the cost of living and “going after his political enemies,” adding that he would “always” be willing to talk to the president about the cost of living. However, the socialist Democratic nominee said he would “fight” Trump “every single step of the way” on the other two policies. (RELATED: ‘He Was Sending Seniors To Their Death’: Socialist Zohran Mamdani Downplays Anti-Police Tweets)

Moderators then allowed Cuomo to respond to Mamdani’s claim about Trump’s alleged support of the ex-governor’s mayoral campaign, which Cuomo immediately pushed back on.

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“That’s not what Donald Trump said,” Cuomo responded. “Donald Trump does an analysis of the race. Donald Trump, I believe, wants Mandami. That is his dream because he will use him politically all across the country and he [Trump] will take over New York City. Make no mistake.”

“It will be President Trump and Mayor Trump and he will come in and take over the city. I have no doubt. All he said was his analysis is after the polls,” Cuomo added. “It’s a tough choice between a Democrat and a communist. And he considers Mandami a communist. He happens to be a socialist. But between a communist and a Democrat, it’s a tough choice for him.”

Since Mamdani defeated Cuomo for the Democratic mayoral nomination in June, Trump has repeatedly weighed in on the tight race, as polls continue to show Mamdani leading ahead of the Nov. 4 general election. Shortly after Mamdani’s win, Trump warned New Yorkers during a Fox News interview about the potential consequences of Mamdani’s policies on the city.

On Tuesday, the president casted doubt on Republican mayoral nominee Curtis Sliwa’s chances of winning, adding that it also doesn’t look “too good” for Cuomo. However, Trump suggested that if Sliwa were to drop out, Cuomo might have “a little bit of a chance.”

Trump went on to say he was unsure about getting involved, noting that if he had to choose between a “Democrat or a Communist,” he would “rather have a Democrat” win if Sliwa withdrew from the election. The president has still yet to make an endorsement in the mayoral race.

With less than 30 days until Election Day, a Fox News survey of registered New York City voters on Oct. 16 reported Mamdani at 49% support, Cuomo at 28% and Sliwa at 13%.

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