New York City Mayor Eric Adams faces mounting pressure to step down following his indictment on federal corruption charges. Elected officials have expressed concerns about his ability to lead amidst the ongoing scandal.
Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on federal charges, including bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and solicitation of illegal foreign campaign donations. The indictment alleges that Adams received illegal campaign contributions from foreign and corporate sources over the course of a decade in exchange for influence.
In the wake of the indictment, several elected officials in New York City have called for Adams' resignation. The NYC Progressive Caucus, a group of 18 council members, issued a statement calling Adams' tenure "an alarming level of political favoritism" and a "system of patronage and cronyism."
NYC Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Federal Charges, Calls for Resignation Mount
City Council Member Robert Holden, who is part of the conservative-leaning Common Sense Caucus, stated that Adams cannot "effectively lead with this cloud hanging over him." Council Member Linda Lee echoed those sentiments, expressing that Adams is "unfit to serve and lead."
Council Member Sandy Nurse criticized Adams' law and order platform, arguing that his administration has been marked by "corruption, deceit, and dysfunction." Nurse emphasized the need for strong and honest leadership that can focus on addressing the city's challenges.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Federal Charges, Calls for Resignation Mount
Adams has denied the allegations in a video statement, calling them "entirely false, based on lies." He insinuated that his criticism of the Biden administration's border policies may have made him a target for retaliation.
The indictment is the latest development in a series of federal probes into Adams and his top aides. The scandal has led to resignations, subpoenas, FBI raids, and now, damning indictments.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Federal Charges, Calls for Resignation Mount
The NYC Progressive Caucus has raised concerns about Adams' administration, alleging "an alarming level of political favoritism, akin to a system of patronage and cronyism." They argue that Adams has placed his own interests and those of his friends above the city's needs.
Council Member Linda Lee emphasized that "Everyday New Yorkers should not have to concern themselves with this type of uncertainty and chaos that we are seeing from City Hall." She expressed concerns that the ongoing scandal is distracting the city from addressing important issues.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Federal Charges, Calls for Resignation Mount
Council Member Sandy Nurse emphasized the need for strong leadership amidst the current crisis. She stated that New York City needs an executive who "puts the City above him and his friends" and can focus on solving the city's most pressing problems.
Adams defended his actions, stating that he put the people of New York before party and politics. He criticized the federal government's immigration policies, which he believes have overloaded the city's shelter system.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Federal Charges, Calls for Resignation Mount
