NEW YORK – President Donald Trump said he wants two candidates to drop out of the New York City mayor’s race, fueling speculation about who could step aside.
“I don’t like to see a communist become mayor…I would like to see two people drop out and have it be one on one.”
Both The New York Times and Politico report that Mayor Eric Adams could be tapped for an adviser role connected to a possible ambassadorship to Saudi Arabia, further fueling speculation about whether he might suspend his reelection bid.
Speaking at a White House dinner with tech executives, Trump argued the crowded field risks splitting the vote.
“I don’t like to see a communist become mayor,” Trump said. “I would like to see two people drop out and have it be one on one.”
Trump did not specify which candidates he wants out, but reporting has centered on Adams and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. The Times said Adams has seriously considered opportunities that could prompt him to leave the race, and that he met privately this week in Florida with one of Trump’s top advisers.
Adams has denied making any such arrangements, but on Thursday he pushed back against mounting pressure.
“Just because people yell at you and call you names … you’re supposed to succumb to that?” Adams said on the steps of City Hall.
Sliwa also vowed to stay in the race.
“Absolutely no way. Under no circumstance,” he said. “You can’t bribe me. You can’t lease me. You can’t rent me. I am running as the Republican candidate.”
Meanwhile, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo escalated his challenge to Mamdani, calling for five debates, one in each borough, while accusing his Democratic rival of dodging questions and shifting positions.
Mamdani fired back by labeling Cuomo “Donald Trump’s puppet” and suggesting he would rather debate Trump directly.
What’s next:
The four candidates, Adams, Sliwa, Cuomo and Mamdani, plan to continue campaigning through the weekend, with Mamdani set to appear at a Brooklyn rally alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Though Adams canceled most of his plans Thursday, including a 9:30 a.m. public safety press conference, he has denied making any arrangements and defended his decision to stay in the race.
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