NYC Mayor Eric Adams Denounces Andrew Cuomo as 'Snake and Liar' in Heated Remarks

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has reaffirmed his commitment to his reelection bid, dismissing reports of a potential role in a future Trump administration. Adams criticized fellow mayoral candidate former Governor Andrew Cuomo, calling him a "snake and liar." Despite efforts by Trump aides to nominate him as US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Adams has made it clear that he will not step aside.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has reaffirmed his commitment to his reelection bid, dismissing reports of a potential role in a future Trump administration. Adams criticized fellow mayoral candidate former Governor Andrew Cuomo, calling him a "snake and liar." Despite efforts by Trump aides to nominate him as US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Adams has made it clear that he will not step aside.

Adams made the announcement at a Friday press conference following reports that advisers to President Donald Trump have been making efforts over the last few weeks to persuade him to drop out of the race. Sources told ABC News that a recent in-person meeting between Trump adviser Steve Witkoff and Adams in Florida was a clear push to get that done [1].

Adams was said to be weighing his options, including opportunities in the private sector. He denied reports that he would be traveling to the White House on Monday, saying he would instead campaign in New York City. "Those reports are wrong. I'm not. I'll be moving throughout this city in the five boroughs that made me mayor in the first place," he said [1].

Sources told ABC News the Trump team has been hearing from Republican donors in New York pleading with Trump aides to get involved out of fear that Mamdani could win the November contest. Adams, who is currently behind in polling, has publicly said he plans to stay in the race [2].

Meanwhile, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has been trying a new tactic, calling for Zohran Mamdani to participate in five debates, one in each borough in the final weeks of the campaign. Cuomo says he hasn't talked to President Trump about intervening in the race, but he is hoping Mayor Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa drop out [3].

Adams has denied reports that he will be traveling to the White House on Monday, saying he would instead campaign in New York City. "Those reports are wrong. I'm not. I'll be moving throughout this city in the five boroughs that made me mayor in the first place," he said [1].

Adams also criticized Cuomo, saying, "He's a snake and a liar. He's been trying to divide us, but I'm not going to let him. I'm going to fight for this city, and I'm going to win." [3]

Adams has been accused of coordinating with the Trump administration to alleviate his legal woes, but he has denied any quid pro quo. Adams' popularity has tanked amid these allegations [3].

Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, took a surprise victory in the city’s Democratic primary in July, defeating favourite Andrew Cuomo, the former Democratic governor of New York. A victory in the Democratic primary is considered the clearest path to victory in the race to lead the left-leaning city [3].

Adams has publicly said he plans to stay in the race. He has been meeting regularly with Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, who has been pushing the possible diplomatic position [3].

References:
[1] https://abcnews.go.com/US/trump-advisers-make-push-eric-adams-ambassadorship-exit/story?id=125294410
[2] https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/04/politics/eric-adams-witkoff-new-york-mayor
[3] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/5/new-york-city-mayor-eric-adams-being-eyed-as-saudi-ambassador-reports