NYC Mayor Eric Adams: Corruption Charges and Potential Removal

<img src="https://www.usatoday.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/02/19/USAT/79171465007-2200421357.jpg?width=660&amp;height=440&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp" alt="NYC Mayor Eric Adams speaks during a press conference">

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing federal corruption charges, accused of accepting illegal campaign contributions and free travel from Turkish officials. He vehemently denies these accusations, calling them "sensational." A federal judge will hear a Justice Department motion to dismiss the charges, a move that has sparked significant controversy.

The Charges Against Mayor Adams

The indictment alleges that Mayor Adams traded favors – expediting safety inspections at a consulate and suppressing a statement on the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day – in exchange for the illegal contributions and travel.

Pressure Mounts on Governor Hochul

The controversial Justice Department motion to drop the charges has put significant pressure on New York Governor Kathy Hochul. There are calls for her to remove Adams from office, a power granted to her under the city charter. Governor Hochul has met with city leaders to discuss the situation and is awaiting the judge's decision before making any moves.

The Potential Removal Process

The city charter outlines a process where the governor can remove the mayor following a hearing. If Adams is removed, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would become acting mayor. The timing of a potential removal is crucial, as it could trigger a special mayoral election before the scheduled election this year.

Trump's Immigration Policy Factor?

The situation is further complicated by accusations that Mayor Adams cooperated with Donald Trump's immigration crackdown in exchange for the charges being dropped. Adams' lawyers deny any such deal.