Trump Threatens NYC Funding After Hochul Backs Socialist Mayor Pick

Paul Riverbank, 9/16/2025Hochul backs socialist mayoral candidate, prompting Trump to threaten NYC's federal funding.

The Political Gambit: Hochul's Surprising Endorsement Reshapes NYC's Mayoral Race

In what might be the most intriguing political development I've covered this year, Governor Kathy Hochul has thrown conventional wisdom to the wind. Her endorsement of Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor isn't just surprising – it's a fascinating study in political risk-taking that's sent shockwaves through the city's power corridors.

I've watched New York politics for decades, but this one caught me off guard. Hochul, who's typically played it safe with moderate positioning, chose to back Mamdani despite their well-documented disagreements. "We had our differences," she wrote in her New York Times piece, trying to thread a delicate needle between pragmatism and progressive politics.

The timing couldn't be more charged. With Eric Adams running as an independent and Andrew Cuomo's unexpected return to the political arena, the mayoral race has become a perfect storm of New York's political contradictions. Add Curtis Sliwa to the mix, and you've got what my old colleague at the Times used to call "a real New York circus."

Donald Trump's reaction was predictable – and telling. His Truth Social post warning about federal funding felt like a throwback to his presidency's approach to Democratic cities. "Washington will be watching," he wrote, in what I'd characterize as barely veiled threat to the city's federal support.

What's particularly fascinating is the ripple effect through New York's Democratic establishment. Jay Jacobs' terse rejection of Mamdani speaks volumes about the party's internal struggles. Meanwhile, Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries' silence is deafening – and strategic.

I spoke with several business leaders yesterday who expressed more than just surprise; there's genuine concern about the city's direction. One CEO (who preferred to remain unnamed) told me, "This isn't just about politics anymore. It's about New York's future as a business hub."

The Jewish community's reaction deserves special attention. Mamdani's positions on Israel have created significant anxiety among moderate and conservative Jewish voters – a crucial voting bloc that's historically played kingmaker in city elections.

Looking ahead, I see this as more than just another endorsement story. It's a reflection of the Democratic Party's ongoing identity crisis and the changing face of urban politics. Hochul's gamble might pay off with progressives, but at what cost to her broader coalition?

In my thirty years covering politics, I've learned that the most interesting stories aren't just about what happened, but what might happen next. This endorsement could reshape not just this mayoral race, but the future of Democratic politics in America's largest city.

Whether this proves to be political brilliance or a catastrophic miscalculation remains to be seen. But one thing's certain – New York's political landscape will never be quite the same.

The Political Gambit: Hochul's Surprising Endorsement Reshapes NYC's Mayoral RaceIn what might be the most intriguing political development I've covered this year, Governor Kathy Hochul has thrown conventional wisdom to the wind. Her endorsement of Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor isn't just surprising – it's a fascinating study in political risk-taking that's sent shockwaves through the city's power corridors.I've watched New York politics for decades, but this one caught me off guard. Hochul, who's typically played it safe with moderate positioning, chose to back Mamdani despite their well-documented disagreements. "We had our differences," she wrote in her New York Times piece, trying to thread a delicate needle between pragmatism and progressive politics.The timing couldn't be more charged. With Eric Adams running as an independent and Andrew Cuomo's unexpected return to the political arena, the mayoral race has become a perfect storm of New York's political contradictions. Add Curtis Sliwa to the mix, and you've got what my old colleague at the Times used to call "a real New York circus."Donald Trump's reaction was predictable – and telling. His Truth Social post warning about federal funding felt like a throwback to his presidency's approach to Democratic cities. "Washington will be watching," he wrote, in what I'd characterize as barely veiled threat to the city's federal support.What's particularly fascinating is the ripple effect through New York's Democratic establishment. Jay Jacobs' terse rejection of Mamdani speaks volumes about the party's internal struggles. Meanwhile, Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries' silence is deafening – and strategic.I spoke with several business leaders yesterday who expressed more than just surprise; there's genuine concern about the city's direction. One CEO (who preferred to remain unnamed) told me, "This isn't just about politics anymore. It's about New York's future as a business hub."The Jewish community's reaction deserves special attention. Mamdani's positions on Israel have created significant anxiety among moderate and conservative Jewish voters – a crucial voting bloc that's historically played kingmaker in city elections.Looking ahead, I see this as more than just another endorsement story. It's a reflection of the Democratic Party's ongoing identity crisis and the changing face of urban politics. Hochul's gamble might pay off with progressives, but at what cost to her broader coalition?In my thirty years covering politics, I've learned that the most interesting stories aren't just about what happened, but what might happen next. This endorsement could reshape not just this mayoral race, but the future of Democratic politics in America's largest city.Whether this proves to be political brilliance or a catastrophic miscalculation remains to be seen. But one thing's certain – New York's political landscape will never be quite the same.