NYC Candidates Unleash at Sharpton Forum—And Trump’s the Bullseye [WATCH]

Several Democratic candidates for New York City mayor used a Thursday forum led by Rev. Al Sharpton to criticize President Donald Trump, labeling him a threat to the city and pledging resistance against his administration’s policies, as The New York Post reported.

The event, held at the National Action Network Convention in Manhattan, featured one-on-one interviews between Sharpton and the mayoral hopefuls, including former Governor Andrew Cuomo, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, state Senator Jessica Ramos, and others.

Andrew Cuomo, the current Democratic frontrunner, labeled the president as an “existential threat” to New York City.

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“When President Trump puts his finger in your chest, the worst thing you can do is step backwards,” Cuomo said. “What you have to do is step forward. And that’s what we have always done.”

Cuomo resigned as governor in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations, which he has consistently denied. On Thursday, he told Sharpton, “He’s huffed and he’s puffed, but he’s just never going to blow in the door of New York.”

When asked if he would commit to serving a full term if elected, Cuomo replied, “No. What if I die?” before adding, “Short of death, I commit.”

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Senator Jessica Ramos also criticized Trump during their appearances. Adams emphasized a need for change in leadership.

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“New York needs a change. New York is bleeding and hemorrhaging right now and we need something different. We need a touch from a woman that can get this thing done right,” she said.

Adams also criticized current Mayor Eric Adams, saying, “Somebody not afraid of Donald Trump nor (who) will hawk his people’s books,” referring to Adams recently displaying a book by FBI Director Kash Patel.

Jessica Ramos drew loud applause after saying, “I’m ready to bring a gun to a gun fight,” when asked about her stance on confronting Trump.

Candidate Zohran Mamdani, who has been polling second behind Cuomo, stated, “New Yorkers are non-negotiable,” in response to a question about collaborating with Trump. He opposed immigration raids but indicated openness to working with Trump on issues like grocery prices.

Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is seeking reelection on an independent line, said, “I’m going to fight any White House that is not going to benefit our city.” He also voiced criticism of President Joe Biden over his handling of border policy and the city’s migrant crisis.

Asked about Trump’s efforts to curb diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, Adams responded, “You look through this administration and see all of this chocolate, you can’t say I’m not doing my thing.”

Adams also addressed questions about a possible quid pro quo involving his dropped federal case and immigration policy, saying, “My heart is broken, but I’m not gonna be angry cause God is good and I’m gonna bless the lord at all times, his praise will continuously be in my mouth.”

“When others turn against me, Jesus stands with me and I’m gonna be the mayor and be reelected cause God’s will will be done,” he added.

Trump’s administration has already retracted $80 million in FEMA funding for migrant services and another $100 million in unspent COVID-19 aid. Additionally, Trump has opposed federal approval for congestion pricing, which is currently tied up in court.

Other candidates at the event, including City Comptroller Brad Lander, former Comptroller Scott Stringer, and Senator Zellnor Myrie, also used their time to criticize the president.

When asked about endorsing a candidate, President Trump said Thursday while boarding Air Force One, “I’ve always gotten along with him,” referring to Cuomo, and added, “We always had a pretty good relationship.”

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