Trump Offers Federal Job To Eric Adams In Bid To Weaken Mamdani?

India-West News Desk

NEW YORK, NY – In a bid to stop the surging Democrat Zohran Mamdani, Donald Trump appears to have explored offering positions in his administration to New York City’s mayoral contenders, including Eric Adams and Curtis Sliwa. Trump reportedly believes that if they stepped aside it would help former Governor Andrew Cuomo who is running as an independent.

Eric Adams, the embattled mayor of New York, who was helped by Trump in getting court cases dismissed against him, has firmly denied having any discussions with Trump about leaving the race in exchange for a federal post. Politico reported that Adams had been offered a position at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, citing a person with direct knowledge of the offer. Adams met with members of Trump’s team during his Florida visit during the long weekend, the publication said.

The New York Times reported that advisers to Trump “have discussed the possibility” of giving Adams a government role in an effort to derail Mamdani, the 33-year-old Democrat leading in the polls. Intermediaries for Trump, the Times added, reached out to associates of Adams to gauge whether he might leave the race.

The Times noted that if both Adams and Sliwa, the Republican candidate, exited the race, Cuomo could consolidate enough support to challenge Mamdani’s lead.

Mamdani has sought to highlight his opponents’ ties to Trump. “Today’s news confirms it: Cuomo is Trump’s choice for Mayor. The White House is considering jobs for Adams and Sliwa to clear the field,” he wrote on X. “New Yorkers are sick of corrupt politics and backroom deals. No matter who’s running, we will deliver a better future on November 4.”

Recent polling underscores the stakes: Adams registers just 9% of voter support, while Mamdani leads with 42%, Cuomo follows at 26%, and Sliwa holds 17%, according to The New York Times.

 “Mayor Adams has made it clear that he will not respond to every rumor that comes up,” spokesperson Todd Shapiro told the Guardian. “He has had no discussions with, nor has he met with, President Donald Trump regarding the mayoral race. The mayor is fully committed to winning this election, with millions of New Yorkers preparing to cast their votes.”

Sliwa told Politico he had not been contacted by the White House and had no interest in a federal job.