Trump uses HUD post offer to Eric Adams in bid to disrupt NYC mayoral race
Trump offers Adams top HUD role to sway NYC mayoral race and counter socialist Mamdani.
President Donald Trump's team has reportedly offered New York City Mayor Eric Adams a senior position at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), according to the New York Times. The move is seen as an attempt to persuade Adams to drop his reelection bid and disrupt the already chaotic mayoral race, as well as to counter the momentum of Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, who shocked the establishment with his victory in the June primary.
The offer comes at a crucial time in the race, as Adams, a moderate Democrat, faces growing competition from Mamdani, who has gained significant attention and support for his progressive platform. The Trump administration's move to dangle a high-ranking position in front of Adams, who maintains a cordial relationship with the president, is seen as a strategic attempt to weaken Adams' mayoral bid and prop up a more conservative candidate in the race.
Adams has neither confirmed nor denied meeting with Trump administration officials during a recent trip to Florida, but the offer of a HUD role to the mayor has sparked controversy and speculation about potential political influence and corruption.
"This is a blatant attempt by the Trump administration to meddle in our mayoral race and manipulate the outcome," said a spokesperson for Mamdani's campaign. "We will not be swayed by their tactics and will continue to fight for our progressive vision for New York City."
The offer to Adams has also raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the impact on his role as mayor if he were to accept a position at HUD. Critics point to the fact that HUD has significant oversight and involvement in housing policy and development in New York City, which could create a conflict for Adams as