NYC Mayor Adams Defies Resignation Rumors

After a three-day absence due to illness and swirling rumors of resignation and potential deals with federal investigators, Mayor Eric Adams made a defiant return to the public eye. Addressing a crowd of religious leaders at the annual Interfaith Breakfast, he vehemently denied the resignation rumors, stating, "Who started the stupid rumor that I was stepping down on Friday? Are you out of your mind?"

The rumors intensified after former City Councilmember Sal Albanese posted about them on social media. Adams criticized the media for focusing on the rumor instead of the positive news of record-high job numbers in the city.

His absence coincided with a busy week, including ICE raids and reports that the Department of Justice was considering dropping his federal corruption and bribery case. The mayor acknowledged the stressful week, stating it was "a scary week for me. It was hard." However, he avoided directly addressing his upcoming trial or taking questions from reporters after the event.

Signs of the Times

Adams's speech, punctuated by standing ovations, highlighted his reliance on faith during difficult times. However, some clergy members have criticized his handling of asylum seekers and expressed concerns about his support for undocumented New Yorkers under the Trump administration. The tension was evident when Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum displayed a sign during Adams’ speech, imploring him to show mercy to immigrants. Adams responded to her action repeatedly during his speech, creating a noteworthy dialogue between the two.

Kleinbaum, who has worked with immigrants for decades, stated her disappointment in Adams' perceived capitulation to the President’s deportation plans, prompting her to create the sign as a way to instigate a conversation, despite some attendees urging her to sit down. She expressed gratitude that Adams at least acknowledged the sign but stood firm in criticizing Adams' policies towards immigrants.