New York City Mayor Eric Adams has responded to federal charges leveled against him, drawing parallels to former President Donald Trump’s reactions to his own legal troubles. In a pre-recorded video released on Wednesday night, Adams emphasized that he has been under scrutiny for months, claiming the timing of the investigation coincided with his advocacy for New Yorkers.
Adams stated, “I have been facing these lies for months… yet the city has continued to improve.” This rhetoric mirrors Trump’s comments during his indictments last year, where he suggested that his legal challenges were a badge of honor in service of his supporters.
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On Thursday morning, Adams expressed frustration over learning about the charges through the media rather than official channels. He raised questions about the timing of the investigation, noting that the alleged misconduct dates back a decade and suggesting it might be linked to his criticisms of President Biden’s immigration policies.
Since spring 2022, NYC has seen a significant influx of migrants, prompting Adams to call for federal support numerous times. Tensions escalated as he and Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the administration’s handling of the migrant situation, stressing that city resources were becoming strained.
In recent weeks, his administration faced intense scrutiny, with several officials leaving City Hall. The charges against Adams include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery, and numerous counts related to foreign campaign contributions. Responding to the allegations, he declared, “My attorneys will take care of the case so I can take care of the city.” He maintained that his daily duties would remain unchanged.
Standing outside the historic Gracie Mansion, Adams affirmed his commitment to the city while facing calls for his resignation from some protesting crowds. This determination resonates with Trump’s previous insistence on his innocence, as he sought to rally his supporters during his own legal challenges.
As of now, Trump has not publicly commented on Adams’ indictment, despite having previously shown support for him during a separate controversy.