NYC Mayor Adams Remains Silent on Trump's Controversial Policies

Mayor Eric Adams's decision to avoid publicly criticizing President Trump is causing a stir among New Yorkers. Many fear Trump's plans to end birthright citizenship, deport millions of immigrants, and repeal protections for transgender youth. This silence contrasts sharply with Adams' previous anti-Trump rhetoric.

<img src="https://i0.wp.com/www.nydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2194351056.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&amp;ssl=1" alt="Mayor Adams at the inauguration of President Trump at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, 2025." width="400">

Fear and Uncertainty in NYC

Immigrant advocates report growing fear among migrants due to Trump's return. They are concerned about potential deportations and raids, even in designated safe spaces. One advocate stated, "The city does not feel safe, does not feel protected, and if you can’t criticize the president for things that he’s promising to do that directly impact your constituents, then you are not in a position to lead."

<img src="https://i0.wp.com/www.nydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/TNY-Immigrant-Williams-1479-1.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&amp;ssl=1" alt="Migrants in Tompkins Square Park" width="400">

Backlash from Supporters and Democrats

Longtime supporters and even some Democrats are criticizing Adams for his approach. They question his commitment to his previous anti-Trump stance and whether his silence is a strategic move to secure a pardon for his own federal corruption charges. Councilman Justin Brannan stated, "New Yorkers need a guardian at the gate, not rose petals and red carpets." Others suggest Adams is “groveling at the feet of fascists” by not publicly defending NYC's transgender youth against Trump’s attacks.

Trump's Controversial Policies and Their Impact on NYC

Trump's Day One executive orders, particularly on immigration, caused significant concern. These orders include terminating asylum claims and deporting immigrants regardless of prior crimes. This affects NYC's large undocumented immigrant population, estimated at over 500,000.

<img src="https://i0.wp.com/www.nydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/AP25022241942388.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&amp;ssl=1" alt="Migrants deported to Mexico" width="400">

Adams's spokeswoman stated that he “wants to work with him, not war with him, and will therefore discuss his thoughts on policy privately." However, this statement does little to ease the concerns of those who feel abandoned by their mayor.