Mamdani Pushes Back Against National Guard Idea During Fiery NYC Mayoral Debate

NEW YORK CITY — At Thursday night’s heated mayoral debate, the question of whether President Donald Trump should be allowed to send the National Guard into New York City ignited one of the most intense exchanges of the night.

When moderators asked the three candidates — Democrat Zohran Mamdani, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and former Governor Andrew Cuomo — how they would respond if Trump ordered federal troops into the city, Mamdani pushed back forcefully against the idea.

“We do not solve problems in our communities by militarizing them,” Mamdani said. “The National Guard is not a tool for domestic politics or show of power — it’s a last resort, not a first response.”

The progressive assemblyman from Queens, known for his outspoken stance on social justice and public transit reform, warned that allowing federal intervention would “set a dangerous precedent” and “undermine local democracy.”

“We Need Care, Not Control”

Mamdani argued that the city’s challenges — from crime to homelessness to the migrant crisis — required “investment in communities, not more troops in the streets.”

“When you bring in the National Guard, you’re not addressing the root causes,” he continued. “You’re just hiding them behind camouflage. We need care, not control.”

His comments drew applause from a portion of the audience, particularly younger and progressive voters, while others in the crowd remained skeptical.

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is seeking a political comeback after his resignation in 2021, seized the opportunity to declare himself the only candidate “strong enough to stand up to Trump.”

“If Donald Trump tries to send the National Guard into New York City, I’ll be the one to stand up to him and tell him to turn those trucks around,” Cuomo said, drawing both cheers and groans.

That prompted an immediate rebuttal from Curtis Sliwa, who accused Cuomo of “living in the past” and using Trump’s name as a political prop.

“Cuomo’s acting like we’re still in 2020,” Sliwa fired. “The people already fired him once — what makes him think they want him back?”

Mamdani: “We Can’t Let Fear Drive Policy”

While Sliwa and Cuomo sparred over Trump’s hypothetical move, Mamdani attempted to steer the conversation back to the broader issue of how New York handles crises.

“What worries me is how quickly people turn to fear,” he said. “When things get hard, the first answer shouldn’t be force. It should be compassion, collaboration, and addressing inequality.”

Mamdani framed the debate over the National Guard as part of a larger battle for the city’s soul — between what he called “the politics of fear and the politics of care.”

“We can’t let fear drive policy,” he said. “If we keep trying to police our way out of every crisis, we’ll never build the city we claim to believe in.”

A Divided Audience

The debate audience at CUNY’s Graduate Center reacted sharply throughout the exchange. Several attendees stood and applauded Mamdani’s remarks, while others shouted back, accusing him of being “soft on crime.”

Political observers noted that the moment captured the ideological divide shaping this year’s mayoral race — between progressive reformers like Mamdani, law-and-order conservatives like Sliwa, and establishment figures like Cuomo trying to reclaim credibility.

“Each candidate used the National Guard question to showcase their worldview,” said NY1 analyst Rebecca Carr. “For Cuomo, it was about strength. For Sliwa, it was about authenticity. For Mamdani, it was about values.”

Looking Ahead

With less than three weeks until Election Day, Thursday’s debate may prove pivotal in defining how voters perceive the candidates’ leadership styles.

Cuomo remains the frontrunner in most polls, but Sliwa has been gaining traction among working-class and independent voters frustrated with the city’s rising costs and safety concerns. Mamdani, meanwhile, continues to energize younger and left-leaning New Yorkers with his calls for free public transit, housing reform, and progressive taxation.

As the debate wrapped up, Mamdani summarized his message in one last pointed remark:

“New Yorkers don’t need soldiers patrolling our streets,” he said. “We need solutions that make sure everyone — from the Bronx to Brooklyn — can live with dignity and safety. That’s real strength.”