Eric Adams and senior White House officials are discussing a potential role for him in President Trump’s administration, even as pressure grows for New York City mayoral candidates to bow out in order to consolidate opposition against socialist front-runner Zohran Mamdani, according to sources.
The talks have reached high-level Trump officials, though it is unclear if the president himself is involved. “I think Adams would be able to craft a position and a portfolio that’s to his liking,” a source close to the administration said. Another source added, “I’ve heard the Adams team wants it.”
A source in the mayor’s circle confirmed that his team has encouraged him to consider the opportunity, though Adams has not fully committed. The discussions come as his scandal-plagued re-election campaign struggles, a situation that could ultimately benefit Mamdani in the crowded field of four contenders.
Mamdani’s surge followed his surprise primary victory over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Adams, meanwhile, avoided running as a Democrat after Trump’s Department of Justice controversially dropped a corruption case against him. Instead, he launched an independent bid after efforts to secure Curtis Sliwa a federal role — a move intended to lock down the GOP line — failed. Cuomo also jumped back into the race as an independent despite losing the primary.
The crowded field has only strengthened Mamdani’s lead, with polls suggesting he is most vulnerable in a one-on-one matchup with Cuomo. Trump allies have been trying for months to push weaker candidates like Sliwa and independent Jim Walden out of the race. Walden suspended his campaign this week, while Sliwa reportedly turned down a Trump administration job offer.
“Now, they are seeing if Adams would be interested in working for the administration,” one source said, adding that Adams aligns with Trump on issues like crime and immigration.
The possibility of an ambassadorship is seen as particularly appealing to Adams, given his stated plans to pursue international consulting after leaving office. “He can have any ambassadorship he wants,” a source close to Adams claimed.
Adams and his campaign team were expected to meet Wednesday to decide whether to continue his struggling re-election effort. While he has insisted he’s “in this race to win,” he appeared less certain after returning from an unannounced trip to Florida on Tuesday. Asked if he might drop out, Adams told a Fox5 reporter: “Whenever I make a move, I’ll make an announcement. I’m in this race to win and if anything changes, trust me, I’ll be on Channel 5.”
Neither Adams’ campaign nor the White House provided comment.
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