Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
New York City Mayor Eric Adams reportedly met privately with Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s Middle East envoy and a trusted aide, earlier this week to discuss potential opportunities within a future Trump administration. This meeting has fueled speculation about Mayor Adams potentially ending his current mayoral reelection bid, a move that sources suggest could be aimed at hindering Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani’s path to the mayoralty.
Sources familiar with the matter confirmed to CNN that the private discussion occurred, though no formal offer was extended to Mayor Adams. However, President Trump has privately indicated an interest in offering Adams a role, according to one source.
The idea of Adams joining a Trump administration has been floated by aides to President Trump, with a reported aim of blocking Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani from becoming the city’s next mayor. Mamdani, who unexpectedly defeated former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in June’s Democratic primary, has raised concerns among some top Democrats due to his democratic socialist views.
The meeting between Witkoff and Adams was reportedly kept highly confidential, even within the White House, with many aides learning of the outreach through news reports on Wednesday. The New York Times was the first to report on the meeting.
Despite the discussions, Mayor Adams publicly dismissed suggestions of withdrawing from the mayoral race on Wednesday. “I have a job. I’m running for my reelection. I am still doing that, and I’m looking forward to getting reelected,” Adams told reporters.
Todd Shapiro, a spokesperson for the Adams campaign, declined to confirm the meeting, stating that Mayor Adams was in Florida on a personal trip and did not conduct any campaigning or governmental duties.
The reported private meeting between Mayor Adams and a top Trump aide highlights ongoing political maneuvering and speculation regarding the future of New York City’s mayoral race and potential shifts in the national political landscape. Mayor Adams has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to his reelection campaign amidst these discussions.
