During an event on Wednesday, Andrew Cuomo, a former governor and current mayoral hopeful, expressed strong criticism of President Donald Trump, asserting that he has declared war on New York City and other American cities through his federal budget cuts and aggressive targeting of immigrants.
Cuomo’s comments come on the heels of Trump’s controversial decision to deploy federal troops to Los Angeles, a move that has drawn wide condemnation from Democratic leaders across the country, including California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Cuomo hinted that Trump may be planning similar tactics for New York City, suggesting a deliberate escalation of protests that could lead to the deployment of federal troops. He remarked that Trump acts like an arsonist who ignites chaos, only to return as the fireman seeking to restore order.
Cuomo recalled a phone conversation he had with Trump back in 2020 when the latter dispatched federal troops to various cities, including Chicago and Portland, in response to protests surrounding the police killing of George Floyd. He recalled telling Trump that such tactics would not be tolerated in New York.
“Listen, you may play that game in Chicago, in Cleveland, in St. Louis, but that’s not going to play here in New York. We don’t need your federal troops here in New York… we are totally capable of taking care of our own backyard,” Cuomo stated.
Cuomo’s statements are timely as the Democratic mayoral primary approaches its climax, with early voting set to commence on Saturday. Both he and his primary contender, Queens Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, have outlined their strategies for dealing with the potential reality of federal troops entering New York.
At the event, Cuomo received endorsements from prominent figures such as former Governor David Paterson and Chair of the Manhattan Democrats, Keith Wright, further solidifying his stance as a candidate ready to confront Trump.
He applauded the New York Police Department (NYPD) for effectively managing anti-ICE protests in Foley Square where there were 80 arrests made. Cuomo encouraged protesters to maintain peaceful demonstrations to prevent giving Trump any justification to send in federal troops.
“The NYPD did their job respectfully. You protest peacefully? Fine,” Cuomo emphasized. “But we give you no excuse to put New York on the national news, and say New York is out of control, and New York doesn’t know how to manage, and we’re going to send in federal troops.”
In addition to his warnings regarding Trump, Cuomo addressed the planned national “No Kings Day” protests scheduled for Saturday, which are aimed at demonstrating against Trump’s military parade and his perceived authoritarianism.
As tensions rise, Trump has promised a strong response to any disruptions during the parade, stating that it would be met with “very big force.”
Cuomo’s stark warnings coupled with his assertive stance against Trump mark a critical moment in his campaign, as he positions himself as a key figure ready to defend New York City from what he describes as troubling federal overreach.
With the Democratic primary fast approaching, the atmosphere is charged, and the stakes are high, as candidates strategize not only for their futures but also for the future of the city they hope to lead.
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