President Trump laughs off Curtis Sliwa’s cat-filled campaign, calling his feline obsession “not exactly ideal” as he weighs in on the bizarre NYC mayoral race
President Trump had a colorful reaction to Republican New York City mayoral contender Curtis Sliwa’s unusual campaign lifestyle — one that includes living with more than a dozen cats in a small Manhattan apartment. During a recent conversation that quickly made headlines, Trump reportedly chuckled and called Sliwa’s feline fascination “a little much,” admitting he found it “interesting but not exactly ideal for a mayor.”
The exchange came as Trump was asked whether he planned to endorse anyone in the upcoming New York City mayoral race. While he hasn’t made a decision yet, the former president couldn’t resist commenting on Sliwa’s reputation for rescuing strays and his public image as a devoted cat caretaker. “Curtis is a character — always has been,” Trump said with a grin, according to multiple sources familiar with the conversation. “But you start talking about all those cats, and I’m thinking… maybe that’s a little too much for Gracie Mansion.”
Sliwa, known for founding the Guardian Angels anti-crime patrol in 1979 and for his trademark red beret, has spent years building his reputation as a fighter for ordinary New Yorkers. But it’s his home life that continues to make headlines — a cramped Upper West Side apartment filled with rescued cats, scratching posts, and food bowls lining the floor. His affection for animals is genuine, but it’s also become a political talking point, drawing both sympathy and skepticism from potential voters.
Trump, meanwhile, was characteristically sharp and humorous in his remarks, balancing playful jabs with praise for Sliwa’s long-standing dedication to the city. “You can love animals and still run a strong campaign,” Trump added, “but maybe not when you’re living in what sounds like a zoo.” The president’s comments quickly spread online, sparking a mix of amusement and speculation about whether he might ultimately endorse a different candidate or simply sit out the city’s mayoral race altogether.
Sliwa has embraced the attention, laughing off Trump’s reaction and doubling down on his cat-loving persona. “The cats are family,” he said in a recent interview. “They’ve been through tough times with me, and they’ll be coming with me to Gracie Mansion if I win.” The statement prompted another wave of viral headlines and memes, with many New Yorkers weighing in on whether a man running one of the world’s biggest cities could — or should — be surrounded by cats while doing it.
Political observers say Trump’s comments reflect his instinct for entertainment as much as politics. “He knows how to make a headline,” one insider said. “He turns even a casual opinion into a viral moment — and he knows exactly how to do it.” For Trump, the New York race remains a fascinating spectacle rather than a pressing political concern. Still, his ability to dominate conversation with just a few words shows that even in a local race, national attention is never far away when his name comes up.
Sliwa’s campaign, built on promises to crack down on crime, improve animal welfare, and clean up the city’s streets, continues to face challenges. His critics call him a showman; his supporters see him as an authentic New Yorker unafraid to be himself. And as Trump himself once said, “New York loves characters — it always has.”
For now, Trump hasn’t officially thrown his support behind any candidate, but his remarks about Sliwa’s “cat obsession” have already shaped the narrative of a race that’s equal parts politics and personality. Whether it’s amusement or a subtle warning, one thing is clear — the former president hasn’t lost his sense of showmanship, and Curtis Sliwa’s cats have once again managed to claw their way into America’s headlines.
