President Donald Trump is scheming to save New York City from a socialist takeover. His plan hinges on nudging Mayor Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa out of the mayoral race to unify conservative votes, as the Daily Mail reports. This 11th-hour gambit aims to thwart Democrat frontrunner Zohran Mamdani’s progressive agenda.
Trump’s advisors are floating administration roles to entice Adams and Sliwa to drop out, consolidating support behind former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Polls show Mamdani leading, with Cuomo trailing in second, followed by Sliwa and Adams. The strategy bets on rallying voters to block Mamdani’s radical policies.
Mamdani, a 33-year-old socialist, promises free bus service, corporate tax hikes, and affordable housing initiatives. Trump branded him a “communist lunatic” on Truth Social, signaling deep concern about New York’s future. His fixation stands out among Republicans, who see Mamdani’s extremism as a midterm advantage.
Three sources told the New York Times that Trump’s team has mulled options for weeks. Discussions about ambassadorships for Adams are underway, though talks are veering in “different directions,” per an anonymous insider. Neither Adams nor Sliwa will confirm the rumors, keeping their cards close.
Adams, with over $4 million in campaign funds, boasts a “record of success,” according to aide Frank Carone. That cash and energy could fuel a strong campaign, yet Trump’s offer might tempt him. Carone insists Adams “won’t be distracted” by rumors, but the silence speaks volumes.
Sliwa, however, is digging in his heels. “Not interested” in administration jobs, he told reporters, emphasizing his “focus is right here in New York.” His defiance could complicate Trump’s plan to clear the field for Cuomo.
Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations he denies, is running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani. His decades-long acquaintance with Trump fuels speculation of a coordinated effort. Rallying behind him carries substantial risk for conservatives.
Removing Adams or Sliwa from the ballot poses logistical hurdles. Time is short, and voters may not seamlessly shift to Cuomo. His tarnished reputation could alienate moderates wary of his past.
Mamdani styles himself as “Donald Trump’s worst nightmare,” a “progressive, Muslim immigrant” fighting for his beliefs. That self-description, aired during a Democratic debate, reeks of performative virtue. His policies threaten to turn New York into a socialist petri dish.
Trump’s deep ties to New York drive his urgency. Locals have griped to him about Mamdani’s stances on immigration, real estate, and tax hikes. These complaints resonate with a president who sees his hometown slipping into progressive chaos.
Unlike Trump, many Republicans view Mamdani’s radicalism as a gift. His policies could paint Democrats as out-of-touch extremists in the midterms. Yet Trump’s singular focus on New York suggests a personal vendetta against Mamdani’s vision.
Mamdani’s lead in polls underscores the stakes. His promises of free services and tax hikes appeal to some but alarm conservatives. Trump’s intervention aims to stop this “communist lunatic” from reshaping the city.
Adams’ campaign war chest and Sliwa’s grassroots appeal split the conservative vote. Without their withdrawal, Cuomo’s path narrows. Trump’s team views unity as the key to countering Mamdani’s momentum.
Sliwa’s refusal to budge throws a wrench into the plan. His loyalty to New York over a cushy administration gig reflects principled stubbornness. It also risks handing Mamdani the keys to City Hall.
Cuomo’s independent run, while bold, hinges on Trump’s ability to clear the field. If Adams and Sliwa stay in, Mamdani’s progressive wave could swamp New York. Trump’s last-ditch effort to save his beloved city hangs in the balance.
