US President Donald Trump, though now residing in Florida, is privately assessing whether to influence New York City’s mayoral contest in a bid to block Zohran Mamdani, the progressive Democrat leading the primary. According to multiple officials briefed on the matter, Trump has consulted with allies—including a Republican congressman and prominent NYC businessmen—on which contender among Eric Adams, Andrew Cuomo, or Curtis Sliwa could realistically defeat Mamdani in the general election, the New York Times reported.
Polling and old alliances shape his considerations
Trump has received briefings from longtime pollster Mark Penn and former City Council President Andrew Stein—both close Trump allies—who suggest Cuomo may still be viable as an independent. Penn, who has ties to pro-Cuomo super PACs, and Stein both publicly advanced this argument, including in recent Wall Street Journal commentary. A previously unrevealed call between Trump and Cuomo also took place, though both have since denied such direct discussions.
Supporters urge consolidation, sceptics warn of backlash
Allies of Adams and Cuomo privately urge Trump’s intervention to unify the anti-Mamdani vote. As a lifelong New Yorker with a vested interest in city governance—and substantial property holdings—Trump’s backing could shift the dynamics. Yet conservative insiders caution that any public involvement risks backlash in a city where Trump remains deeply unpopular. “He loves New York,” billionaire John Catsimatidis said, “but urged patience.”
Trump’s own words signal both interest and ambivalence
Trump has ramped up rhetoric against Mamdani, calling him a “Communist Lunatic” and repeating baseless immigration claims. Yet, when asked directly about Cuomo, he deflected, saying vaguely they haven’t spoken “in a while.” Still, after Penn and Stein’s presentation, he stated in public remarks that Cuomo could be competitive, calling him a potentially better manager than Adams or Sliwa.
Can Trump’s touch reshape a local election?
While Trump is known for dominating Republican primaries, influencing an overwhelmingly Democratic NYC race poses a tougher challenge. His usual tools—pro-Trump media blitzes and endorsements—may carry less weight in the Big Apple. Nonetheless, even minor gestures could tip the scales in a three-way race where splitting anti-Mamdani support helps Mamdani maintain his lead.
A growing strategic calculation with national implications
Strategists see value in elevating Mamdani as a clear adversary in the 2026 midterms. Still, Trump’s inner circle remains divided over whether taking a public stance would help or hurt. For now, Trump continues to gather intelligence—recent Oval Office meetings with a congressman, Penn, and Stein all point to deliberate analysis. His final decision, nuanced or dramatic, could profoundly influence New York City’s political future.
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