Trump’s Take on Sliwa and NYC Mayoral Race

In Washington, President Trump shared his thoughts on Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, suggesting he finds the idea of Sliwa somewhat unsettling.

Trump, during a prerecorded interview on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” mentioned he hasn’t made a decision about entering the race. He expressed skepticism about Sliwa’s suggestion to welcome cats into the Gracie Mansion. “Is he really a Republican? Am I a big fan?” Trump pondered.

He continued, “He wants to turn Gracie House into a home for cats, which isn’t ideal.” Trump referred to Gracie House as a historic residence linked to notable New York mayors.

Although it’s been over a decade since they last spoke, Sliwa, a potential candidate, has stated his intention to mend his fraught relationship with Trump, who he describes as having a complex “love-hate relationship” with him.

Interestingly, Trump is noted as the first modern president not to have animals in the White House, a distinction he shares with past presidents Polk and Johnson.

In the lead-up to the November 4 election, Trump expressed disappointment about his options and is still contemplating whether he will endorse Sliwa. “I don’t know if I’ll be involved,” he commented, noting he would make a decision soon.

While Trump emphasized he will not support Democrats, he also expressed some ambiguity about the choices ahead, saying, “I’d rather not support Democrats, but would I choose them over Communists? It’s almost the same.”

He also took a swipe at Democratic candidate Zoram Mamdani, calling him “pretty smart,” but added, “He doesn’t have what he needs. The city is going to be in trouble.”

Trump has subtly hinted that former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo might pose the best challenge to Mamdani, who currently leads in the polls, though he refrained from endorsing Cuomo given their rocky history.

Some of Cuomo’s allies, as well as certain Republicans, have suggested Sliwa exit the race to potentially strengthen Cuomo’s chances against Mamdani. However, Sliwa has refused to step back, unlike outgoing Mayor Adams, who did so recently.

Sliwa responded to concerns about being a “spoiler,” saying, “We can’t win without Sliwa’s votes,” and emphasized the importance of voting for oneself. He also noted that New York City’s current issues followed Cuomo’s defeat in the Democratic primary to Mamdani.