Daijiworld Media Network- Washington
Washington, Sep 5: US President Donald Trump has stirred political chatter after suggesting that Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani, who has surged ahead in the New York mayoral race, is “likely to become mayor” unless two of his rivals step aside.
Speaking at a White House dinner with tech executives, Trump remarked, “I don’t think you can win unless you have one-on-one, and somehow he’s gotten a little bit of a lead. I have no idea how that happened.”
Trump, however, stopped short of naming which two among Mamdani’s three key opponents he hoped would drop out. The crowded field currently includes incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, former Governor Andrew Cuomo (running as an independent), and Republican contender Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels crime patrol group.
Mamdani, 33, became the front-runner after defeating Cuomo in the Democratic primary in June. His strong grassroots connect and progressive platform have positioned him as a formidable challenger in one of the country’s most liberal cities.
Meanwhile, speculation has grown after intermediaries linked to Trump reportedly reached out to Adams’ camp, exploring whether he would step aside for a possible federal role. Adams, however, dismissed the pressure. “No pressure, no diamonds… I’m not quitting,” he asserted while garnering endorsements from Muslim leaders.
Adams’ campaign remains under strain following his indictment on corruption charges last year — later dropped in exchange for his cooperation on Trump’s immigration policies — a move that irked several Democrats.
Cuomo, too, has demanded Adams withdraw, arguing that “if Mamdani is the existential threat, then stronger candidates must take the lead.”
On the other hand, Republican Sliwa has vowed to stay in the fight, mocking suggestions that Adams’ exit would benefit Cuomo. “That ain’t happening. They’ve been going at each other like two scorpions in a brandy glass,” Sliwa quipped.
With four contenders refusing to step aside, Trump’s remarks have added fresh intrigue to a high-stakes race that could redefine the political landscape of New York City.