New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani on Sept. 3, 2025, in New York City condemned reports that advisers to President Donald Trump discussed offering administration jobs to Mayor Eric Adams and GOP candidate Curtis Sliwa, calling the move an ‘affront to our democracy’ while reaffirming his campaign’s confidence heading into November.
Key Takeaways
- The New York Times reported that Trump advisers discussed offering administration roles to Mayor Eric Adams and Curtis Sliwa to reshape the mayoral field.
- Mamdani defeated Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary by about 13 points and drew nearly 600,000 votes.
- Adams’ campaign denied any contact with the White House or any offer; Sliwa likewise said he was not contacted.
- The White House and Cuomo’s campaign did not provide immediate public confirmation to ABC News of the reported discussions.
- Mamdani called the reports an ethical breach and warned they could deepen voter distrust in local politics.
Verified Facts
On Sept. 3, 2025, the New York Times published reporting that advisers to President Donald Trump held conversations about potentially offering federal positions to incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. The goal, as reported, would be to alter the contest so it becomes a direct matchup between Zohran Mamdani and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is now running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani.
Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary by roughly 13 percentage points and secured close to 600,000 votes, told reporters he views the reported discussions as a direct attempt to interfere with New Yorkers’ choice of leadership. He reiterated his campaign’s confidence that his team will win the general election in November.
Adams’ campaign issued a denial, stating the mayor has not met with Trump and was not offered a role in the administration. A campaign spokesperson emphasized Adams’ focus on his re-election bid and neighborhood priorities, citing declines in crime and gains in jobs as his record to run on.
Curtis Sliwa also told ABC News he had not been contacted by the White House and that he remains focused on the race, saying he believes he is the only major-party candidate who can defeat Mamdani. ABC News reached out to Andrew Cuomo’s team for comment; the White House did not respond to ABC’s request for confirmation.
Context & Impact
The reported outreach, if accurate, would represent a rare example of a sitting U.S. president’s advisers engaging in actions to influence a municipal election’s candidate field. Political strategists warn that such moves risk eroding public trust and could energize voters who view them as outside interference.
For Mamdani, the reporting shifts the campaign narrative from policy contrasts to questions of democratic integrity and political influence. For Adams and Sliwa, the denials attempt to neutralize a story that could distract from their campaigns’ messaging in the final weeks before voting.
- Possible electoral effect: clearing a path to a two-candidate race could alter turnout dynamics across boroughs.
- Ethics scrutiny: any evidence of quid pro quo or formal offers would likely prompt further reporting and possible ethics inquiries.
- Voter sentiment: revelations of behind-the-scenes deals may increase disaffection among voters already skeptical of political institutions.
Official Statements
‘Today, we have learned what New Yorkers have long suspected — that Andrew Cuomo is Donald Trump’s choice to be the next mayor of this city,’ Mamdani said, calling the White House conversations an affront to democracy.
Zohran Mamdani
‘Mayor Adams has not met with Donald Trump. He is not dropping out of the race and remains focused on delivering for New Yorkers,’ a campaign spokesperson said in response to the reporting.
Adams campaign spokesperson
Unconfirmed
- That formal, finalized job offers were made to Mayor Eric Adams or Curtis Sliwa.
- That either Adams or Sliwa accepted or agreed to accept a role in the Trump administration.
- Specific details of who in the White House initiated or authorized the reported discussions beyond the New York Times’ reporting.
Bottom Line
The report that Trump advisers discussed offering positions to Adams and Sliwa has injected questions of outside influence and ethical practice into a tight New York City mayoral contest. Mamdani has seized on the story to cast the race as a defense of democratic choice, while Adams and Sliwa have publicly denied contact. The claims reported by the New York Times remain unconfirmed by the White House and would need further verification to establish intent or outcomes.