The mayor had harsh words for the president, claiming both he and the vice-president, Mike Pence, have ignored his overtures on the stimulus funds.

On Sunday, De Blasio sent a message to the administration that echoed a New York newspaper headline during the city’s bankruptcy crisis of the 1970s.

“There was that famous Daily News cover that said ‘Ford to City: Drop Dead,’” De Blasio said. “So my question is, Mr Trump, Mr President, are you going to save New York City or are you telling New York City to drop dead? Which one is it?”

“President Trump, what’s going on? Cat got your tongue?” De Blasio continued. “You’re usually really talkative. You usually have an opinion on everything. How on earth do you not have an opinion on aid to American cities and states?”