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President Donald Trump issued a dramatic statement of support for New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday, applauding his re-election campaign while warning Democratic Socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani that he could face arrest if he interferes with Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.
Speaking from the newly opened “Alligator Alcatraz” migrant detention center in Florida, Trump referred to Adams as “a very good person” and credited himself with helping the embattled mayor. “I helped him out a little bit,” Trump said, referring to the Department of Justice’s abrupt dismissal of Adams’ federal corruption case. “He had a problem, and he was unfairly targeted. That was a Biden indictment. I told him, ‘Don’t feel bad. I’ve been indicted five times myself.’”
Adams’ corruption charges, which stemmed from a federal investigation launched in 2021, have been criticized by both Adams and Trump as politically motivated retaliation for criticizing President Biden’s border policies. Trump’s public backing is the latest signal that Adams—now running as an independent—has increasingly aligned himself with Trump’s base, even appearing on Fox News to pitch his campaign.
Trump’s more explosive remarks were directed at Mamdani, the Democratic frontrunner, who he derided as a “total nut job.” The president warned that Mamdani could face arrest if he tries to obstruct ICE operations. “We’ll have to arrest him if he interferes,” Trump said flatly.
Mamdani, who officially clinched the Democratic nomination after defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo by a wide margin in ranked-choice voting, has built his campaign around “Trump-proofing” New York City. He quickly responded to the president’s threat, stating: “The President of the United States just threatened to have me arrested, stripped of my citizenship, detained, and deported — not because I broke any law, but because I refuse to let ICE terrorize our city.”
Mamdani’s platform promises resistance to Trump’s immigration agenda and a city that supports working-class dignity. His campaign has galvanized progressive voters but also drawn fierce opposition from moderates and conservatives.
Trump’s apparent endorsement of Adams is raising eyebrows. Although Adams stopped short of formally seeking Trump’s backing, insiders say he welcomes the support as he faces a four-way general election against Mamdani, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and independent Jim Walden. Cuomo’s name will also appear on the ballot despite not committing to an active campaign.
Trump noted, “You’d think a Republican could win in New York—or at least a good independent.” Adams, speaking Monday on Fox News, blasted Mamdani’s lack of governing experience. “Great ideas on paper,” Adams said, “but governing a city, balancing a budget, and keeping people safe are what matters.”
With Trump’s support, Adams is betting big on a coalition that spans left, right, and center — a political gamble no one has pulled off in modern New York history.
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