GOP Mayoral Candidate’s Long Disconnect with Trump
GOP mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa disclosed on Monday that he hasn’t spoken to President Trump in nearly two decades. An insider mentioned that their prolonged rifts could jeopardize Sliwa’s hopes for the mayoral race.
In a recent interview, Sliwa reflected on how his once lively interactions with top-tier Republicans faded, attributing it to the often biting satire he presented as a commentator on NY1 and radio shows like WABC-AM.
“I’ve been doing political satire for 13 years,” Sliwa noted, referencing figures like Cuomo, Trump, de Blasio, and others. “I think many, Trump included, might not have fully grasped the humor and satire behind it.”
The last interaction he had with Trump was when the former president guest-starred on one of Sliwa’s radio shows back in 2004. “It was around July 22, 2004,” he recalled, adding that it was shortly after significant legal troubles involving John Gotti Jr.
Sliwa’s candidacy is positioned against Zohran Mamdani’s bid for president, which Trump publicly seeks to undermine. This week, Trump issued a sort of ultimatum for candidates to clear the field for the best alternative to Mamdani, while others, including Mayor Eric Adams, are also in the running.
Interestingly, instead of backing Sliwa, Trump has reportedly perceived former Democrat Andrew Cuomo as a more viable candidate to challenge Mamdani.
Close sources revealed that job prospects had previously been floated toward Sliwa, but he declined them, reportedly citing concerns about Trump’s mindset. “Curtis doesn’t have much affection for Trump, and the feeling seems mutual,” said another insider.
It seems that despite their long history, their relationship has rarely been cordial. Sliwa recalls meeting Trump at a conservative gala back in 1986, where their exchange was marked by disagreement as he told Trump, “You’re not a conservative,” to which Trump retorted, “You’re not a conservative either.”
Over time, Trump has shown an appreciation for Sliwa due to his outspoken advocacy for public safety, particularly during events like the Veterans Day parade.
Sliwa’s disdain for Trump grew as the latter transitioned from a businessman to a politician. In 2015, he demanded an apology from Trump for misleading comments about Muslims allegedly celebrating 9/11—a claim Sliwa openly contested.
While Sliwa did extend an invitation to Trump for a gathering dubbed the “Hummus Summit,” none of the GOP stars showed up, further straining their relationship. By the time Trump was in his first term, Sliwa openly criticized him, even calling him “man depression.”
“I didn’t support Trump,” he shared in a 2016 interview. A source familiar with their dynamic described it as a peculiar mix of admiration and animosity—a love-hate relationship, if you will.
On Monday, Sliwa indicated that Trump’s involvement could potentially harm his campaign more than it would help. “Trump should stay away from the election. Period,” he stated, although he added, “If he supports me, that’s fine.”
