Mayor Eric Adams confirmed he will remain in New York City’s mayoral election despite reports of potential offers from the Trump administration. The announcement came during a press conference on Friday, following claims that President Donald Trump’s advisers had proposed roles for Adams, including at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Adams criticized former Governor Andrew Cuomo, calling him a “snake and a liar,” and asserted he is the only candidate capable of defeating rival Zohran Mamdani. “This polo shirt that I’m wearing that says Eric Adams, Mayor of the City of New York—I’m going to wear that for another four years. We can’t go backwards,” Adams stated.
He denied rumors of a planned trip to the White House, pledging instead to campaign across New York City’s five boroughs. “Those reports are wrong. I’ll be moving throughout this city in the five boroughs that made me mayor in the first place,” he said. Adams reiterated his refusal to step aside, echoing the resilience of New Yorkers.
Sources told ABC News that Trump’s team has faced pressure from Republican donors concerned about Mamdani’s potential victory. The discussions involved former Governor Cuomo, who remains in second place behind Mamdani and is seen as a stronger contender in a direct matchup.
Trump has publicly expressed interest in preventing Mamdani, a 33-year-old liberal state lawmaker, from becoming mayor. Earlier this week, Trump suggested Adams, Cuomo, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa should withdraw to consolidate anti-Mamdani support.
Mamdani’s progressive policies have drawn criticism from parts of New York’s business community and some Democrats. With Election Day set for November 4, Trump warned that a crowded race could jeopardize efforts to defeat Mamdani. “If he stays in, if you have more than one candidate running against him, it can’t be won,” Trump said. He added Cuomo might have a better chance in a one-on-one contest.
Adams declined to confirm direct talks with Trump’s team but dismissed reports of his involvement in Washington.
