Can Trump Legally Stop Federal Funding to New York City If Mamdani Wins?

The possibility of former President Donald Trump withholding federal funding from New York City if a progressive candidate like Zohran Mamdani wins office has sparked debate. This hypothetical scenario raises key questions about presidential power, federalism, and whether Trump could legally retaliate against a political adversary.

Could Trump Withhold Federal Funds from NYC?

New York City, a Democratic stronghold, has frequently clashed with Trump. If a progressive like Zohran Mamdani (or similar candidates such as Zephyr Teachout or Tahanie Aboushi) wins a key election, could Trump cut federal funding as retribution? Legally, the answer is murky—but historical and constitutional constraints make it unlikely.

Presidential Authority vs. Congressional Power

The U.S. Constitution grants Congress—not the President—the power to allocate federal funds (Article I, Section 9). While the executive branch administers funding, it cannot unilaterally withhold money approved by Congress. However, presidents have some discretion under laws like the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which allows temporary delays in spending under specific conditions.

Past attempts to defund cities for political reasons have failed:
– Trump’s threats to cut funding from “sanctuary cities” were blocked by courts.
– Biden faced lawsuits for tying COVID-19 relief to policy compliance.

Key Legal Precedents Blocking Funding Cuts

Courts have ruled that the federal government cannot withhold funds as political punishment. Major cases include:
– South Dakota v. Dole (1987) – Allowed conditional funding (e.g., highway funds tied to drinking age laws) but barred coercion.
– NFIB v. Sebelius (2012) – Struck down Medicaid expansion penalties, ruling withdrawing existing funds as unconstitutional.

If Trump tried to defund NYC purely over a progressive victory, courts would likely block it.

Political and Practical Obstacles

Even if Trump tried, multiple barriers would stop him:
1. Congressional Resistance – Lawmakers could pass bills protecting NYC’s funding.
2. Public and Legal Backlash – Cutting funds to a major economic hub would trigger lawsuits and national outcry.
3. Bureaucratic Limits – Federal agencies follow strict rules, making unilateral cuts difficult.

What Could Trump Actually Do?

While outright defunding is unlikely, a future Trump administration might:
– Redirect discretionary grants away from NYC.
– Impose stricter oversight to delay or complicate fund distribution.
– Target specific programs (e.g., immigration enforcement) where the White House has more control.

Conclusion: A Legal and Democratic Safeguard

The U.S. system is designed to prevent presidents from weaponizing federal funds against political opponents. While Trump could attempt administrative hurdles, sweeping funding cuts would likely fail in court.

If such a scenario unfolds, expect legal challenges, congressional pushback, and public resistance to uphold constitutional limits on presidential power.

— NextMinuteNews