Lee Jae-myung Endorses Cuomo; Trump Threatens to Cut Federal Funding if Mamdani Wins NYC Race

In an unusual move into U.S. politics, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has publicly endorsed New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, while President Donald Trump is stirring controversy by threatening to cut federal funding to New York City if candidate Mamdani wins the mayoral race. Trump's remarks are being widely interpreted as an attempt to use federal financial aid as a political tool, sparking further debate. President Trump issued a statement declaring, "We will not stand idly by as Mamdani takes over New York." He emphasized, "If she wins, the federal government will immediately cease all funding to New York City." Trump's statement is seen as a direct expression of concern regarding the radical policy platform Mamdani has presented during her campaign. Mamdani has garnered support by advocating for a significant expansion of New York City's social welfare system and a reduction in police funding. While her pledges have resonated with progressive voters, conservatives have criticized them, arguing that they could lead to a deterioration of public safety and fiscal stability in New York City. Shortly after President Trump's statement, President Lee Jae-myung expressed his support for Governor Cuomo via his social media account. President Lee posted a message stating, "Governor Cuomo's leadership has steadily guided New York City," and "His extensive experience and wisdom will continue to be essential for the people of New York." President Lee's action is being assessed as an exceptional move, deviating from the existing diplomatic custom in which South Korean presidents have refrained from directly commenting on U.S. politics. In the past, South Korean presidents have been extremely cautious about expressing official positions on domestic political issues within the United States. Various interpretations and analyses of President Lee's actions are emerging both domestically and internationally. Some analysts suggest that President Lee expressed his public support out of consideration for his long-standing personal relationship with Governor Cuomo. The two are known to have maintained a cooperative relationship through consistent interaction. Another analysis posits that President Lee shares concerns about Mamdani's policy direction and intends to form a tacit consensus with President Trump. In particular, there is speculation that the judgment that Mamdani's radical policies could negatively impact U.S.-South Korea relations played a role. Observations are being made that President Lee Jae-myung's endorsement of Cuomo could have a subtle impact on U.S.-South Korea relations in the future. In particular, there are forecasts that changes may occur in the cooperative relationship between the South Korean government and New York City if Mamdani is elected mayor. Currently, the South Korean government has not issued an official statement regarding President Lee's remarks. However, it is known that the diplomatic community is closely monitoring the situation and preparing for future changes. It is reported that the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely examining the reaction of the U.S. political world through the South Korean embassy in the United States and plans to communicate with the U.S. government if necessary. U.S. political experts analyze that President Lee Jae-myung's remarks could evoke various reactions within the United States. In particular, there are concerns that Republican supporters may view President Lee's actions as inappropriate interference in U.S. domestic politics, which could negatively affect U.S.-South Korea relations in the future. On the other hand, Democratic supporters may understand President Lee Jae-myung's remarks as an expression of support for Governor Cuomo and assess that it could help maintain friendly relations between the U.S. and South Korea. However, some analysts suggest that President Lee's remarks could actually work to Cuomo's disadvantage. President Trump's threat to cut federal funding is provoking strong backlash from New York City residents. New Yorkers are criticizing President Trump's remarks as an act of infringing on New York City's autonomy and as political pressure. New York City has long been considered a Democratic stronghold, and there is widespread criticism that President Trump's remarks are an inappropriate measure that does not take into account these regional characteristics. Mamdani's supporters have stated that they will further intensify their campaign without yielding to President Trump's threats. They emphasize that they will use President Trump's remarks as an opportunity to strengthen their solidarity and will work more actively to ensure Mamdani's election. This controversy is expected to have a significant impact on the upcoming New York mayoral election results. New Yorkers are expected to vote carefully, considering President Trump's strong remarks and President Lee Jae-myung's endorsement. While the final outcome is difficult to predict, this election is expected to be an important variable not only in U.S. politics but also in U.S.-South Korea relations. The New York mayoral election is one of the most watched elections in the United States, and its outcome can have a significant impact on the U.S. political landscape. In particular, this election is attracting even greater attention as it can serve as a gauge of President Trump's political influence and the next presidential election. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department is refraining from making official comments on the situation. A State Department spokesman stated the basic position that "the United States respects the sovereignty and independence of South Korea and does not interfere in the domestic politics of any country." However, diplomatic experts analyze that the U.S. State Department is closely monitoring the situation and carefully reviewing its impact on U.S.-South Korea relations in the future. This situation is being assessed as a case that reveals the diplomatic sensitivity between the U.S. and South Korea. In the future, the South Korean government will need to carefully manage its relationship with the United States and strive to avoid causing unnecessary misunderstandings. Currently, the New York mayoral election is showing a fierce competitive landscape, and opinion polls show a mixed situation in which the approval ratings of candidates are fluctuating. The election results are expected to be difficult to predict until election day, and a fierce election campaign is expected to unfold until the very end.