Watch the video at the end of this article.
Introduction
BIG APPLE BATTLE: Trump Takes Aim at Cuomo but Warns Against “Communists” in New York Politics
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited political tensions in New York by declaring that, while he is “not a fan” of former Governor Andrew Cuomo, he would still prefer a “bad Democrat” like Cuomo over a “communist” alternative. Speaking during an interview this weekend, Trump criticized the direction of New York’s leadership and suggested that the Democratic Party, though flawed in his view, remains preferable to what he described as far-left extremism taking hold in American politics.
“I’m not a fan of Cuomo—never have been,” Trump said. “But if the choice is between a bad Democrat and a communist, I’ll take the bad Democrat every single time.” His comment appeared to reference growing divisions within the Democratic Party between moderate and progressive factions, particularly in major cities like New York.
Trump’s remarks came amid speculation about his plans to increase his political presence in his home state, where he remains a polarizing figure. He has long criticized New York’s governance, blaming Democrats for what he calls “a collapse of law and order” and the state’s “anti-business climate.” Despite his harsh words for Cuomo, Trump acknowledged that the former governor, compared to what he termed the “radical left,” at least “understood how the system works.”
The statement also reignited discussions about Trump’s complicated history with Cuomo. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the two men clashed publicly over lockdowns, federal aid, and media coverage. However, both share deep roots in New York’s political and business landscape, occasionally crossing paths long before their public feud.
Analysts say Trump’s comments are a strategic move to appeal to centrist and disillusioned Democratic voters ahead of future elections. By framing his stance as opposition to “communism” rather than Democrats in general, Trump positions himself as defending traditional American values against what he portrays as an extreme ideological threat — a message that continues to resonate strongly with his base.