Cuomo Denies Speaking with Trump, Touts Ability to Counter President's Attacks on New York City

In a high-stakes New York City mayoral election, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has found himself at odds with Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, accusing Mamdani's campaign of conspiring with President Donald Trump. Cuomo, now running as an independent, has denied speaking with Trump since a gunman attempted to assassinate the president at a Pennsylvania rally last year, expressing concern for Trump's safety. Despite a history of contentious relationships with Trump, Cuomo is now arguing that he can work with the president to benefit New York City.

Key Takeaways:

• Cuomo denied speaking with Trump on the phone, although he did leave a message of concern after the assassination attempt.
• Cuomo emphasized his ability to counter Trump's attacks on New York City, arguing that a Mamdani victory would give the president a reason to consider a federal takeover of the city.
• Cuomo's strategy involves courting business leaders and high-powered donors who fear Mamdani's potential mayoralty and his proposal to tax the city's wealthiest residents.
• Mamdani accused Cuomo and Trump of conspiring against the city, stating that a Cuomo-Trump alliance would be a "dysfunctional marriage" detrimental to New York City.
• Mamdani dismissed concerns that his candidacy would make the city a target for Trump, stating that he would be willing to speak with the president if it benefits New Yorkers.

Statistics:

• 50 business executives attended a closed-door meeting with Cuomo at an office in Rockefeller Center.
• Cuomo resigned from office in 2021 after being accused of sexual harassment by state employees, which he denies.
• 2/3 of city voters are registered Democrats, 1/5 are Republicans.
• Cuomo emphasized that a Mamdani victory would be seen as a gift to the GOP.

Sources:

• @_andrew_cuomo (Twitter)

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• (Cached CNN article)
• (Cached New York Times article)