The New York City mayoral race, already one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, has taken an even more dramatic turn as rumors swirl about Mayor Eric Adams potentially dropping out in exchange for a job in President Donald Trump’s administration. As November’s election draws closer, the city’s political circles are abuzz with speculation, denials, and accusations, turning the contest into a high-stakes drama that could reshape the city’s political future.
On August 22, 2025, Mayor Adams took to the podium in Manhattan, directly addressing the rumors that he might step aside for a federal position. According to CNN, Adams flatly denied any intention to withdraw: “I have a job. I am running for re-election. I am still doing it, and I expect to be re-elected.” This clear-cut statement followed reports from The New York Times and other outlets that Trump’s aides had considered offering Adams a role in the administration, possibly as a way to consolidate opposition to Democratic front-runner Zohran Mamdani.
The intrigue intensified after Cindy Adams’ August 27 column in the New York Post, which suggested that Adams could be lured away by a lucrative federal job, complete with perks like media appearances and coveted restaurant reservations. AMNY further reported that advisers to President Trump were actively discussing such an offer, hoping to clear a path for former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has mounted an independent campaign and is polling just behind Mamdani.
Politico later added fuel to the fire, reporting that Adams had met with Trump’s team in Florida on September 1 and that a specific position at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was on the table. However, Adams’ campaign was quick to push back. Spokesman Todd Shapiro stated, “Mayor Adams has not yet met with Trump and remains in the race. At no time has Adams asked for or been offered a job with the department.” Shapiro was even more emphatic in a statement to The New York Post: “Although Mayor Adams has been the most pro-housing mayor in New York City’s history, at no time did he ask for—nor was he offered—a job at HUD. And if the HUD job does open, Andrew Cuomo held that position before and can always continue where he left off.”
Despite these denials, the rumors have not subsided. High-level Trump officials are reportedly considering an ambassadorship for Adams, a move that sources say would align with his long-term interest in international consulting after his mayoralty, as reported by The New York Post. One source close to Trump’s administration remarked, “I think Adams would be able to craft a position and a portfolio that’s to his liking.” Another source in Adams’ orbit confirmed that his team has encouraged him to consider the federal “golden parachute,” but Adams himself hasn’t fully embraced the idea.
The political calculus behind these maneuvers is clear. With Adams polling in fourth place and his independent re-election bid looking increasingly tenuous, removing him from the race could help consolidate opposition to Mamdani. Former Governor Cuomo, also running as an independent, is widely seen as Mamdani’s most formidable challenger in a head-to-head contest. As The New York Times and Politico noted, Trump’s team has also floated similar job offers to Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa in an effort to thin the crowded field. Sliwa, however, has been steadfast in his refusal, telling CNN, “My focus is here in New York. I am the only major-party candidate who can beat Mamdani, and I am ready to prove it on Election Day.”
The atmosphere has been further charged by accusations of backroom dealing and political cynicism. At a press conference in Manhattan, Mamdani accused Trump of trying to undermine city democracy, declaring, “The reason so many New Yorkers are tired of politics the way they know it is stories like this. Backroom deals, corrupt arrangements – all of this feeds the sense of disillusionment and despair about how people view politics in this country.” Mamdani has remained confident, stating, “I don’t care who we face in November. We’ll beat them all.” He also alleged that Cuomo and Trump had discussed the mayoral race directly, asserting, “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.”
For his part, Adams has maintained a public posture of determination, but his denials have grown less adamant in recent days. At a September 3 press conference, he described the possibility of working in the Trump administration as “hypothetical,” adding, “I am running in the elections and intend to complete this process.” When pressed by Fox5 about the persistent rumors, Adams replied, “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.” City Hall spokesperson Kayla Mamelak echoed this sentiment, saying, “Mayor Adams is a lifelong New Yorker who has dedicated his entire career to this city, and he intends to continue that work for another four years as mayor.”
Meanwhile, Adams’ campaign has highlighted his achievements, with Shapiro stating, “The mayor is fully committed to winning this campaign, with millions of New Yorkers ready to vote. His track record is clear: crime is down, jobs are up, and he has consistently stood up for the rights of working families. Mayor Adams is focused on continuing this progress and on earning another four years to continue serving the people of New York.”
The backdrop to all this is a series of investigations into corruption allegations involving Adams’ close associates. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, following guidance from the Department of Justice, recently closed one such case, and Adams has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Still, the mere existence of these probes has contributed to an air of uncertainty around his campaign.
As the election approaches, voters’ attention is increasingly fixed on how these swirling rumors and political machinations might affect their trust in city government. The race features four major contenders: Mamdani, Adams, Cuomo, and Sliwa, each vying for the city’s top job amid shifting alliances and public skepticism. According to AMNY, Adams is currently the lowest-ranked candidate in the polls, trailing behind Sliwa, with Cuomo and Mamdani locked in a tight battle for the lead.
While the White House and Trump officials have so far declined to comment on the specifics of any job offers, the mere possibility has injected a new level of uncertainty and intrigue into an already volatile race. As one source close to the administration told The New York Post, “Adams is in a unique position in the sense of he does share a lot of the administration’s goals especially on crime and immigration, so he could likely make a real impact whether at home or abroad.”
With Election Day fast approaching, New Yorkers are left to watch as the city’s political fate hangs in the balance, shaped by rumors, denials, and the ever-present possibility of last-minute surprises.
