Adams Rebuffs Trump’s Ambassadorship Overture, Confirms Reelection Bid | News Glare

Lead: New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Friday publicly denied receiving any formal job offers from President Trump’s advisers and affirmed his intention to stay in the November mayoral race amid reports of a potential ambassadorship offer to Saudi Arabia.

Nut Graf: The unusual maneuver by Trump’s inner circle-floated as a means to remove Adams from the ballot and clear the way for rival candidates-highlights the fierce national and local political stakes converging in New York’s upcoming election.

Key Points

Trump advisers reportedly proposed nominating Adams as U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia to persuade him to drop his reelection bid.
A recent meeting in Florida between Adams and Trump envoy Steve Witkoff fueled speculation of a diplomatic post in exchange for Adams’s exit from the race.
Adams released a statement emphasizing his focus on “lowering crime, improving schools, building housing, and cutting costs for working families” and insisted no formal offers have been made.
Governor Kathy Hochul condemned any external interference in New York City’s elections, urging respect for voters’ rights to choose their next mayor.

Push for Diplomatic Post

Reports emerged on September 5 that senior Trump aides have discussed offering Mayor Adams a cushy diplomatic role-most prominently, ambassador to Saudi Arabia-to end his independent reelection campaign and strengthen former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s path to the general election. Sources describe the talks as “fluid,” with no guarantee of fruition.

Adams’s Response

Standing outside Gracie Mansion at a news conference, Adams affirmed: > “Serving New Yorkers as their mayor is the only job I’ve ever wanted… no formal offers have been made. I am still running for reelection, and my full focus is on the safety and quality of life of every New Yorker.”

Political Context

Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani currently leads in polls, while Adams and Cuomo vie for second place. Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa also remains in contention. Trump publicly urged two candidates to drop out to create a head-to-head showdown he believes his allies could win.

State Reaction

Governor Hochul criticized the reported scheme: > “He’s not a kingmaker, and New Yorkers deserve free and clear elections without that kind of interference… it should be rejected wholeheartedly.”

As the race intensifies, Adams’s firm rejection of a federal appointment underscores his commitment to completing his term and seeking a second one, setting the stage for a contentious final two months of campaigning.