US President Donald Trump has surprised many by supporting former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in his independent run for New York City mayor. Trump urged voters not to choose Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani, who is currently leading the race. The election for New York City’s next mayor will take place on November 4.

In a post on his social media platformTruth Social, Trump said that if Mamdani wins, New York City will face a “complete and total economic and social disaster.” He also warned that he would limit federal funding for the city to the bare minimum if the 34-year-old Indian-origin leader becomes mayor. Trump called Mamdani a “communist,” even though Mamdani identifies himself as a democratic socialist.

Trump wrote that he does not want to send “good money after bad” and argued that Mamdani’s leadership would destroy New York City. He added that communist ideas have “never been successful” and said the city has “zero chance of survival” under such leadership.

Interestingly, Trump, who previously had a strained relationship with Andrew Cuomo, said he now prefers Cuomo over Mamdani. “I would much rather see a Democrat with a record of success win than a communist with no experience,” Trump said, describing Cuomo as someone capable of bringing back New York’s former glory.

Trump also criticized the Republican candidate, Curtis Sliwa, saying that voting for him would actually help Mamdani win. He even mocked Sliwa’s trademark red beret, saying he looked “much better without it.” Trump’s comments came just a day after he made similar remarks in a CBS “60 Minutes” interview, where he said that if he had to choose between “a bad Democrat and a communist,” he would pick the Democrat.

Despite Trump’s influence, it remains uncertain how much his endorsement will affect the outcome. Polls show Mamdani leading, with Cuomo in second place and Sliwa trailing behind. Billionaire Elon Musk has also backed Cuomo, urging New Yorkers to vote for him.