NYC Mayor Adams Fires Back at Rumors of Hochul's Influence on His Administration

NYC Mayor Adams Denies Hochul's Influence on His Administration

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is pushing back against claims that Governor Kathy Hochul is dictating staffing decisions in his administration. Following a string of resignations, including the departure of Deputy Mayor Phil Banks, Adams insists he is in control of his own team.

"Do you think I would be a puppet mayor and allow others to pick my administration? The governor is a partner," Adams said on "The Reset Talk Show."

Adams also addressed his current legal troubles, stating that he cannot comment on the bribery and fraud charges he faces due to legal advice. He says he will focus on running the city while his attorneys handle the case.

Top NYPD Position in Focus

Adams is currently searching for a new full-time commissioner for the NYPD. Interim Commissioner Tom Donlon is expected to step down soon, with Jessica Tisch, the current Department of Sanitation commissioner, emerging as a leading candidate.

Other Resignations and Ongoing Investigations

The departure of Phil Banks, the former deputy mayor in charge of the police department, sparked scrutiny. Sources claim federal authorities investigated whether Banks helped his brother, Terence, secure a contract for a school security app called Safer Watch. Banks denies any wrongdoing, stating that the NYPD School Safety Division had a contract with Safer Watch before Terence was involved.

Former Mayor Bill de Blasio, who also faced federal scrutiny but never criminal charges, believes Adams will remain in office. "I don't know the truth here," de Blasio said. "But real talk, he's not going anywhere anytime soon."