(NewsNation) — President Donald Trump has hinted at a federal takeover of New York City if mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, wins the election.
“If a communist gets elected to New York, it can never be the same,” Trump said. “We have tremendous power at the White House to run places when we have to.”
Trump has not said exactly how he would accomplish a takeover of NYC or what it means, but there’s only a short list of what the federal government can do to override a state. Federal power over a state government would only happen in emergencies like civil rights violations or calling in the National Guard during riots.
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One thing the Trump administration can do is withhold federal funding for New York City.
The president also suggested federal takeover of Washington, D.C. in February which was backed by congressional GOP members who proposed the BOWSER Act to end the city’s self-rule. That bill has not passed.
Mamdani won the primary election for mayor last week in a stunning upset over former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. His win put many of the progressive ideas he’s proposed, like rent freeze and higher taxes on the rich, front and center.
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Mayor Eric Adams has criticized Mamdani, calling him an “academic elitist” with ideas that simply “won’t and don’t work,” saying he knows what it’s like to struggle and help working people while Mamdani doesn’t.
“Donald Trump, who just yesterday, spoke of democracy as if it was something he could opt in or opt out of, said if I was elected he would have to take over New York City,” Mamdani said. “I am proud to have received the most votes of any Democratic nominee for mayor in a primary in New York City history. Too much of what we have put into law is being treated as if it’s a suggestion, and we see too many leaders who continue to treat the law in that manner.”
