It was revealed today that New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on federal charges of accepting bribes and illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources, particularly Turkish government officials who offered lavish gifts in exchange for influence. It became. Adams has denied the charges and said he plans to remain mayor.
no surprises
The first-term Democratic mayor, who took office in 2021, insisted he was not surprised by the charges. He said in a statement Wednesday that he is innocent of all charges.
I now believe that the federal government intends to charge me with a crime. If so, these charges are completely false and based on lies, which is not surprising. I always knew that if I stood up for you, I would become a target.
“I will fight these injustices with all my strength and soul,” he concluded.
The passionate Mr. Adams has been at odds with the federal government over lax immigration enforcement policies. He said in a statement:
When, despite our pleas, the federal government's broken immigration policies did nothing to provide any relief and overburdened our shelter system, I felt that the political parties and He put the people of New York before politics.
Adams also said he wanted to repeal the city's “sanctuary city” policy, telling reporters in February:
I want to return to the standards of past mayors who I believe share my belief that those suspected of committing serious crimes in this city should be held accountable.
accusation
Specifically, Adams was charged with one count of “wire fraud, federal program bribery, and conspiracy to receive campaign funds from foreign persons.” One count of wire fraud. Two cases of “soliciting donations by foreigners.” and one count of bribery. The indictment is posted here.
Federal authorities allege the fraud began after Adams learned he would become mayor.
As Adams' fame and power grew, especially when it became clear that he would become mayor of New York in 2021, his foreign backers sought to exploit their corrupt relationships with him. Adams agreed and offered favorable treatment in exchange for illegal profits.
Turkish officials then allegedly arranged for donations to Adams' campaign as well as other gifts, including free or deeply discounted air travel, free hotel rooms, and meals at upscale restaurants.
The Biden administration has denied any involvement in the Adams incident.
reaction
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday: “The president, even when he was running in 2020, said that the Justice Department is independent and that the Justice Department is handling this case independently. He made it clear that he intended to check.”
New York Governor Cathy Hochul appears to have the power to remove Adams from office, but she is taking a wait-and-see approach to the ongoing scandal.
I will take the time to review this indictment and see what it contains, but my primary responsibility is to ensure that the people of New York City and New York State are served.
The indictment was sealed before it was made public today, but it appears Beltway insiders were already aware of the charges. Last night, New York State Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D) called on Adams to resign.
“I don't see how Mayor Adams can continue to govern New York City,” she said in an X post Wednesday. “The mass resignations and vacancies are threatening the functioning of government. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to hire and maintain a qualified administration. In the interest of the city, he should resign.”
Adams responded to AOC:
Those who self-righteously claim that people accused of serious crimes should not go to jail are now surprised that the second black mayor of New York has never been charged because of rumors and innuendos. To say he should resign is the height of hypocrisy.
Some asked for prayers for New York City in light of the alarming situation. New York Democrat Hakeem Jeffries said:
Like other New Yorkers and Americans, Eric Adams is entitled to the presumption of innocence. This principle is central to the administration of justice in the United States. A jury of the mayor's colleagues will now evaluate the charges in the indictment and make a final verdict. In the meantime, we wish our great city well.
Jeffries is right. New York City does need prayer, but perhaps not for the reasons he thinks it does.
