New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani recently voiced strong disapproval of Elon Musk's endorsement of former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the race for New York City mayor. Mamdani's critique centers on a controversial solar panel initiative linked to Musk's family business, which received a substantial tax break under Cuomo's administration. This political exchange unfolds as the mayoral election approaches, involving Democratic nominee Mamdani, independent candidate Cuomo, and Republican contender Curtis Sliwa. The discourse also includes comments from former President Donald Trump, who has offered his support to Cuomo, adding another layer of complexity to the electoral landscape.
The controversy ignited when Elon Musk publicly urged New Yorkers to cast their votes for Andrew Cuomo, who is currently campaigning as an independent. Musk's statement, made on the social media platform X, dismissed Mamdani's candidacy, misstating his name and advocating for Cuomo. This prompted a swift and sharp retort from Assemblyman Mamdani. He referenced a deal from the Cuomo era where a solar panel company, connected to Musk's relatives and later acquired by Tesla, secured nearly a billion dollars in state funding through tax breaks. This project, intended for economic development, reportedly failed to meet its objectives and became embroiled in a significant corruption investigation during Cuomo's governorship, as reported by Politico.
Adding to the political intrigue, former President Donald Trump also weighed in on the New York City mayoral contest, endorsing Andrew Cuomo. Trump, utilizing Truth Social, urged voters to support Cuomo, presenting him as the only viable alternative to Mamdani. In a surprising move, Trump also dismissed the Republican candidate, Curtis Sliwa, describing him as "not exactly prime time" and even making light of his well-known affection for cats. These endorsements from prominent national figures underscore the high stakes and unusual dynamics of the upcoming mayoral election, scheduled for November 5, 2025.
The public sparring between Zohran Mamdani and Elon Musk, further complicated by Donald Trump's intervention, highlights the intricate web of political endorsements and past dealings influencing the New York City mayoral race. Mamdani’s pointed criticism of the $959 million tax break tied to a Tesla-affiliated solar project under Cuomo’s leadership brings financial accountability to the forefront of the campaign. As the election date nears, voters are presented with a complex narrative involving political rivalries, historical controversies, and the unexpected alignment of influential personalities, shaping a closely watched electoral battle.