Trump Privately Concedes Mamdani 'Unbeatable' in New York Mayoral Race as White House Scrambles to Stop Progressive's Rise
A senior White House official told The Wall Street Journal that President Donald Trump has told his allies that Zohran Mamdani will win the New York City mayoral election. The administration maintains that public opinion is unfavorable to Zohran Mamdani’s chances of winning the mayoral election in New York City, despite Trump’s private acknowledgment of his unbeatable position. The Wall Street Journal reports that Trump and his team predict that Mamdani will win against both independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, given his strong position in current polls. The AARP New York-Gotham Polling & Analytics survey of 1,376 likely voters showed Mamdani leading with 41.8 percent support, while Cuomo received 23.4 percent, Sliwa received 16.5 percent, and Adams received 8.8 percent.
White House Pressure Campaign Intensifies
The president’s private pessimism contrasts sharply with ongoing White House efforts to consolidate opposition around Cuomo. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump offered reluctant support for the former governor while attacking Mamdani in inflammatory terms.
“It’s really a question of would I rather have a Democrat or a communist? And I would rather have a Democrat than a communist.”
— President Donald Trump
Trump also acknowledged the mathematical challenge facing Cuomo, telling reporters that if Sliwa dropped out, “maybe Cuomo would have a little bit of a chance, but not much,” according to The Independent. The president reportedly remains unconvinced that Sliwa’s withdrawal would significantly improve Cuomo’s prospects, despite pressure from Eric Trump, billionaire Bill Ackman, and businessman John Catsimatidis for the Republican to exit the race.
Sliwa Defiant Despite Mounting Pressure
Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels, who has raised over $3.4 million for his campaign, has categorically refused to withdraw. During Wednesday’s final televised debate, Sliwa compared his bickering rivals to “two kids in a schoolyard,” telling Mamdani, “your resume could fit on a cocktail napkin,” while informing Cuomo, “your failures could fill a public school library in New York City,” according to The Independent.
The Republican nominee has warned that anyone presenting him with a “bribe” to suspend his campaign would be reported to New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Multiple news organizations reported that Trump advisers have reached out to both Sliwa and Adams, offering administration positions as incentives to abandon their campaigns and consolidate opposition around Cuomo.
Debate Highlights Bitter Rivalry
The last debate on Wednesday highlighted the growing hostility between Cuomo, who led the polls, and his main opponent. The Independent reported that Mamdani stated Cuomo displays desperation because he understands his lifelong pursuit of power has become endangered. The Independent reported Cuomo responded to Mamdani by questioning his experience through a statement that said, “Zohran is a great actor. He missed his calling. This man never even proposed a bill on housing or education,”. The former governor described Mamdani as unfit for mayoral leadership because of his divisive nature while presenting himself as a practical solution for the city. The candidates debated homelessness and housing policies, as well as Middle Eastern relations. At the same time, Mamdani accused Cuomo of promoting outdated political approaches and of following Trump’s agenda. The Betfair odds for Mamdani experienced a Thursday morning surge to 93 percent after a brief post-debate decrease, according to Newsweek.
Stakes Rise as Trump’s Interests Threatened
Trump’s concern reflects direct threats to his business empire, as the Trump Organization maintains its headquarters in Manhattan. Mamdani has pledged to raise taxes on the wealthy to finance his affordability agenda, directly challenging Trump’s financial interests.
The president has already demonstrated a willingness to weaponize federal power against the city, threatening to cut funding if Mamdani wins and scrapping $18 billion in New York City infrastructure funding amid the ongoing government shutdown. In June, Trump threatened to arrest Mamdani over his sanctuary city stance on immigration enforcement.
Cuomo’s campaign has suffered recent embarrassments, including a supporter’s failed attempt to launch a “HotGirlsForCuomo” website. Following Wednesday’s debate, Cuomo attended a New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden with Adams, a publicity stunt that could backfire given Adams’ widespread unpopularity, according to The Independent.
Stakes Rise as Trump’s Interests Threatened
The Trump Organization operates its headquarters in Manhattan, which makes him directly vulnerable to business threats. Mamdani plans to increase wealth taxes for funding his affordable housing initiative, which directly targets Trump’s financial assets.
The president has shown his readiness to use federal authority against New York City by threatening to cut funding if Mamdani wins and by canceling $18 billion in New York City infrastructure projects during the current government shutdown. Trump announced in June that he would arrest Mamdani because of his stance on immigration enforcement in sanctuary cities.
The Cuomo campaign faced a recent setback when a supporter attempted to create a website called “HotGirlsForCuomo,” but the effort failed. The Independent reports that Cuomo’s decision to watch the New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden with Adams could backfire, as Adams remains highly unpopular with voters.