Key takeaways
• Trump refuses to back Republican Curtin Sliwa in NYC mayor race
• Trump mocks Sliwa’s plan to turn Gracie Mansion into a cat refuge
• Sliwa trails in polls, far behind Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo
• Trump warns a Mamdani win would harm New York City
New York City’s Republican mayoral candidate Curtin Sliwa hoped for an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Instead, he got jokes about his love of cats. Trump mocked Sliwa’s plan to fill Gracie Mansion with felines. Moreover, Trump said he doubted Sliwa’s party loyalty. This reaction could hurt Sliwa’s slim chances even more. Meanwhile, Democrat Zohran Mamdani holds a strong lead over both Sliwa and his former rival, Andrew Cuomo.
Who Is Curtin Sliwa?
Curtin Sliwa co-founded the Guardian Angels, a volunteer crime patrol group in New York City. He later hosted talk radio shows. Now he runs as a Republican for mayor. However, Sliwa once supported Andrew Cuomo’s Democratic run. His switch surprised many voters. Despite high name recognition, Sliwa polls at a distant third place. He faces Zohran Mamdani, who rose quickly in the Democratic primary. Sliwa also faces Cuomo, who resigned as governor amid scandal.
Sliwa’s Cat Plan
Sliwa’s love of cats is well known. At one point, he owned seventeen of them. Now he wants Gracie Mansion to welcome city cats in need. He argues the residence should serve homeless animals, not just people. Sliwa says this plan would boost animal welfare. However, critics think it trivializes the mayor’s official home. Some voters worry about health or housing code issues. Still, Sliwa defends his proposal as caring and creative. Yet Trump saw it as a campaign liability.
Why Trump Snubs Sliwa
First, Trump snubs Sliwa because he disputes his Republican credentials. Moreover, Trump prefers to back strong candidates. Next, Trump dislikes what he sees as odd policy ideas. For example, turning Gracie Mansion into a cat refuge struck him as outlandish. Trump also values loyalty. He questioned if Sliwa really belongs in the GOP. Therefore, Trump chose to sit out the New York City contest. In short, Trump snubs Sliwa on questions of loyalty and judgment.
What Trump Said
When Fox News asked about an endorsement, Trump paused. He said, “I don’t know if he’s really a Republican.” Then Trump added, “He wants to make Gracie Mansion a home for the cats.” He praised former mayor Rudy Giuliani as the city’s best leader. Trump also mentioned Fiorello La Guardia, noting Gracie Mansion’s history. On Cuomo, Trump refused to endorse any Democrat. Still, he warned that Mamdani would put New York City “in big trouble.”
Reaction from GOP Leaders
Several Republican lawmakers welcomed Trump’s distance from Sliwa. They say a strong candidate needs clear, mainstream policies. Others worry that bickering over cats hurts party unity. Some GOP members called for a fresh face in the race. Meanwhile, Sliwa’s camp tried to downplay the feud. A spokesperson said Sliwa respects Trump’s views but will stay focused on voters. However, the split could weaken fundraising and volunteer support.
Impact on the Race
Sliwa already sits far behind Zohran Mamdani in the polls. Mamdani enjoys a double-digit lead. He won the Democratic primary in June with fresh ideas. His platform includes rent freezes and higher taxes on the wealthy. Democrats rallied behind him despite calls from some GOP members to deport him. Sliwa hoped a Trump endorsement would shift momentum. Now, without Trump’s backing, he may struggle to gain media attention and donor interest.
Next Steps for Sliwa
Despite the snub, Sliwa plans to continue campaigning. He will make stops in all five boroughs. He emphasizes public safety and animal welfare. Also, Sliwa seeks to highlight his outsider status. He argues that New York needs a change from career politicians. Yet his team must navigate internal party doubts. Moreover, they must convince voters that a cat-friendly mansion is more than a gimmick. Success relies on whether urban voters connect with his broader message.
What This Means for New York City
If Mamdani wins, he promises progressive changes. Rent freezes, wealth taxes, and expanded social programs top his list. On the other hand, a Cuomo return could stir controversy over his past. Meanwhile, a Trump-backed Sliwa remains unlikely. Without a clear GOP front-runner, the race stays unpredictable. However, public discussion about Gracie Mansion’s use surprised many New Yorkers. In the end, voters must weigh big ideas against political theater.
Conclusion
Trump snubs Sliwa over his cat refuge plan and loyalty questions. This moment highlights tensions within the Republican Party. It also underlines how small details can shape big campaigns. For Sliwa, the path forward demands fresh messaging. Meanwhile, Mamdani and Cuomo battle for Democratic support. Ultimately, New Yorkers will decide which vision best serves their city.
FAQs
What exactly did Trump say about Sliwa’s cats?
Trump joked that Sliwa wanted to turn Gracie Mansion into a cat home. He questioned Sliwa’s Republican ties and declined to endorse him.
Could Trump still endorse Sliwa before election day?
It seems unlikely. Trump said he might not get involved, showing little interest in backing Sliwa.
Why do some Republicans doubt Sliwa’s loyalty?
Sliwa once supported Democrats and Andrew Cuomo. His recent switch to the GOP raises loyalty questions.
How strong is Zohran Mamdani’s lead?
Recent polls show Mamdani with a double-digit lead over Sliwa and Cuomo, making him the clear frontrunner.