NYC mayoral race: Andrew Cuomo on defensive, denying report he spoke with Trump
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is on the defensive after The New York Times reported that he spoke recently with President Donald Trump.
Earlier, Cuomo laid out his proposed agenda, which included a minimum wage hike, real estate tax caps, and grocery cost controls. In a blow to Cuomo's campaign, the report of his alleged meeting with Trump overshadowed this announcement entirely.
Cuomo claims the story is false, and says he isn't interested in Trump's backing.
"The last contact was when I called to leave best wishes (after) the attempted assassination," Cuomo said. "I would not seek his endorsement. I wouldn't accept his endorsement."
Trump also denied having spoken with Cuomo when asked.
Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani took the opportunity to poke fun at his opponent.
"Donald Trump has not called me," he said.
"Andrew Cuomo will sell working people out for his interests, for the interests of the billionaires that supported him, for the interests of Donald Trump, because all of those interests are lining up as one and the same," Mamdani said. "New Yorkers do not want a mayor who is working in tandem with the president to subvert the will of the people of New York City. The job of mayor is not to audition to be the jester for a want-to-be king."
Mamdani says he believes that Trump will do whatever is necessary to keep him out of City Hall.
"What threatens the president so much about my campaign is the fact that it showcases the way he betrayed the people that we are seeking to serve," Mamdani said.
Despite the much-publicized friction between Trump and Mamdani -- Mamdani has been a favorite target of Trump in recent weeks -- Mamdani says he is prepared to work with Trump if it can help New Yorkers.
Andrew Cuomo says much the same.
Trump "could be very, very helpful to New York City," Cuomo said.
As for current Mayor Eric Adams, critics have said he's in Trump's pocket, an allegation he continues to fight.
"My conversations with the president are about bringing resources to the city. That's my conversations with the president: how do I bring resources to the city," Adams said.
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