President Donald Trump is making a bold move to influence the New York City mayoral race, aiming to stop a self-described socialist from claiming victory in a city he holds dear.

According to the Daily Mail, Trump’s team is exploring ways to consolidate conservative support by offering administration roles to current Mayor Eric Adams and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, hoping to clear the path for former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Polls currently show Democratic front-runner Zohran Mamdani in the lead, with Cuomo in second, Sliwa third, and Adams trailing in fourth.

Behind closed doors, Trump’s advisors have been at this for weeks, mulling over positions like ambassadorships for Adams to entice him to step aside. Sources say discussions are fluid, but the strategy hinges on both Adams and Sliwa exiting to rally voters around Cuomo, seen as the strongest contender to block Mamdani.

High Stakes in the Big Apple Showdown

Trump’s personal stake in New York fuels this unusual intervention, as he’s long tied his legacy to the city’s skyline and spirit. Locals have voiced unease over Mamdani’s plans for higher corporate taxes, free public transit, and sweeping housing reforms, which Trump has publicly slammed as radical.

Mamdani, a 33-year-old progressive, has embraced the clash, calling himself “Donald Trump’s worst nightmare” during a Democratic debate. His unapologetic push for policies that prioritize affordability over business interests has only deepened the divide with critics who see his agenda as a dangerous overreach.

Trump, in response, took to Truth Social to label Mamdani a “100% Communist Lunatic,” warning of dire consequences if he secures the mayor’s office. Such rhetoric underscores a broader fear among some that New York could tilt too far left under Mamdani’s leadership, alienating the very engines of its economy.

Candidates Push Back on Trump’s Play

Neither Adams nor Sliwa seems eager to entertain Trump’s overtures, with both doubling down on their campaigns. Adams’ former chief of staff, Frank Carone, emphasized the mayor’s strong war chest of over $4 million and a track record worth defending, dismissing the rumors as mere distractions.

Sliwa was even more blunt, stating he’s “not interested” in any federal gig and remains laser-focused on New York’s challenges. His refusal to budge suggests Trump’s plan might hit a wall before it even gains traction.

Even if either candidate were swayed, logistical hurdles loom large, as removing their names from the ballot at this stage would be a near-impossible feat. Betting on Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 amid harassment allegations he denied, also carries risks given his uneven political comeback as an independent after losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani.

Cuomo as the Conservative Hope

Polling indicates Cuomo is the most viable opponent to Mamdani, though he currently lacks the numbers to close the gap. His decades-long acquaintance with Trump, spanning over 40 years, might lend some weight to this strategic alliance, but voter sentiment remains a wild card.

Cuomo’s pivot to an independent run after the primary loss shows a grit that could appeal to moderates wary of Mamdani’s far-left proposals. Yet, his past controversies could just as easily repel those same voters, making Trump’s gamble a high-wire act.

Meanwhile, many Republicans in Washington appear less alarmed by Mamdani’s potential win, speculating that his extreme policies could backfire and bolster their midterm narratives. Trump, however, isn’t waiting to test that theory, driven by a personal connection to New York that overrides broader party calculus.

A City at a Crossroads

New Yorkers now face a stark choice between Mamdani’s vision of transformative change and the more familiar, if flawed, figures like Cuomo. Trump’s eleventh-hour maneuvering, while unconventional, reflects a deep-seated concern that the city’s character and economic vitality hang in the balance.

Whether this intervention sways the race or simply stirs more chaos is anyone’s guess, but it’s clear the president sees Mamdani’s lead as a direct threat to the city’s future. For a man who built his name on New York’s streets, sitting idly by was never an option.

If this plan fizzles, it won’t be for lack of effort, but rather the stubborn reality of voter will and ballot logistics. Trump’s fight to shape the mayoral outcome is a reminder that even in local politics, the shadow of national figures can loom large, for better or worse.