Mayor Eric Adams reportedly met with Trump allies in Florida as behind-the-scenes discussions raise questions about his political future in New York.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has privately told close friends and advisers that he is seriously considering a position linked to President Donald Trump, a move that could lead him to drop out of the mayoral race, The New York Times reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.
According to the report, Adams met earlier this week in Florida with Trump intermediaries, including US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff. Four people briefed on the meeting said it was tightly guarded. City Hall initially stated that Adams was dealing with “a personal matter,” before his campaign clarified that he was in Miami for his 65th birthday. Later, Adams acknowledged only that he had met with “political figures,” including the mayor of Miami.
The paper said it remains unclear whether Adams has been offered a specific role or intends to accept one. However, individuals familiar with the discussions said talks have accelerated as his prospects for a second term appear to diminish. The mayor has been dogged by corruption scandals and declining approval ratings, compounded by the Trump administration’s February decision to drop a federal corruption case against him in exchange for support on immigration policy.
Former Governor David Paterson told the paper that Adams expressed interest in running for re-election, while also exploring other options. “He said something like, ‘That’s what I want to do, but I’m listening,’” Paterson said.
Another source told the paper that Adams is weighing roles that would require him to leave the race, though not necessarily before the end of his term in December.
US President Donald Trump an announcement in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, US, August 22, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/JONATHAN ERNST)
Trump world weighs shake-up in NYC mayoral race as Adams weighs exit
The New York Times also reported that Trump advisers have considered offering a position to Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, in hopes of clearing the path for a direct contest between Democrat Zohran Mamdani and former governor Andrew Cuomo. Sliwa told the paper he is not interested in withdrawing from the race.
Trump, who has shown notable interest in the mayoral contest, has reportedly spoken with Cuomo about the election, according to people familiar with the matter. Both men denied that such conversations took place.
The White House declined to comment, and Adams’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment by the paper.
Even if Adams withdraws, Mamdani is considered the frontrunner in the heavily Democratic city. Trump’s backing of Cuomo could deter voters, and Adams’s dwindling support may not significantly bolster Cuomo’s position. However, removing Sliwa from the race could alter the dynamics, although many of his supporters are hostile to Cuomo.
Trump allies Andrew Stein and John Catsimatidis have also reportedly been involved in efforts to convince both Adams and Sliwa to step aside. Witkoff, who previously joined Trump, Eric Trump, Adams, and mayoral adviser Frank Carone for a lunch in Florida in January, has played a similar role in the past. At that time, Adams was seeking a pardon. Although the Justice Department later dropped the charges, a federal judge remarked that “everything here smacks of a bargain.”
Adams has denied reports that he was offered a role at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, calling the claims inaccurate. The paper said that open ambassadorships were under review and that private sector offers had also been raised in discussions.
Speaking Thursday at an event marking the 1,500th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, promoted by his campaign as an endorsement rally, Adams reiterated his intention to run for re-election. “My life has been pressured. No pressure, no diamonds,” he said. However, aides reportedly acknowledge that his path to re-election has narrowed, especially after a senior adviser was indicted again last month.
According to the paper, Adams is not currently considering resigning before the end of his term, in part to avoid elevating Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. His legal debts and the lengthy Senate confirmation process required for top federal roles have also complicated his future options.