New York City Mayor Eric Adams is under increasing pressure to step down following a five-count criminal indictment tied to a federal corruption investigation. Rep. Jerry Nadler and other prominent lawmakers have publicly called for his resignation, citing concerns over Adams' ability to lead effectively while facing such serious charges.
The Hill reported that despite these allegations, Adams has vowed to remain in office, maintaining his innocence and continuing his mayoral duties.
He expressed doubts about the mayor’s capacity to continue leading the city in light of the federal charges, which include accusations of wire fraud, soliciting foreign contributions, and bribery.
Nadler emphasized the gravity of the charges, which were outlined by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, while also acknowledging that Adams, like any other defendant, deserves the presumption of innocence.
In a statement, Nadler said, “While the criminal charges outlined in the indictment by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York are very serious, Mayor Adams deserves the right to due process and to be treated as presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, there are questions of whether the Mayor can continue to effectively lead our city as mayor at this time.”
Mayor Adams has repeatedly denied the allegations against him. In a press conference held on Thursday, Adams made it clear that he had no intention of stepping down from his position.
Instead, he reaffirmed his commitment to serving the 8.3 million residents of New York City, as well as the 300,000 employees who work for the city government.
“From here, my attorneys will take care of the case so I can take care of the city,” Adams stated. “My day-to-day will not change. I will continue to do the job for 8.3 million New Yorkers that I was elected to do, and the 300,000 plus employees of our city government will continue to do their job because this is what we do as New Yorkers.”
Despite these assurances, Adams has faced mounting criticism, particularly from progressive members of Congress.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a vocal opponent of Adams' policies, called for his resignation earlier in the week, citing the growing number of investigations into his administration and the vacancies within his staff. She argued that the constant scrutiny surrounding the mayor would make it impossible for the city to operate effectively.
Ocasio-Cortez’s call for Adams to resign highlighted ongoing concerns about the ability of the administration to function amid the flood of investigations and resignations. “I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City,” she said. “The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening government function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration.”
Adams responded sharply to these comments, dismissing them as baseless and hypocritical. He pointed out that no formal charges had been filed against him when Ocasio-Cortez made her remarks.
“For anyone who self-righteously claims people charged with serious crimes should not be in jail to now say that the second Black mayor of New York should resign because of rumors and innuendo — without even a single charge being filed — is the height of hypocrisy,” Adams said.
The response from other New York lawmakers has been mixed. While some have been outspoken in their calls for Adams to step down, others have been more cautious in their approach.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, for example, emphasized the importance of the presumption of innocence in the American justice system. He noted that Adams, like any other citizen, is entitled to a fair trial before any judgment is made.
“Like every other New Yorker and American, Eric Adams is entitled to the presumption of innocence,” Jeffries said. “That principle is central to the administration of justice in the United States of America. A jury of the Mayor’s peers will now evaluate the charges in the indictment and ultimately render a determination.”
Similarly, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer commented that the legal process should be allowed to unfold without interference.
He acknowledged the seriousness of the charges but stressed that Adams, like anyone else, must be treated fairly under the law. “No one is above the law, including the Mayor of New York City,” Schumer said. “The charges are serious, and the legal process should now play out speedily and fairly.”
Despite the mounting pressure from various political figures, Mayor Adams remains defiant. He has consistently reiterated his commitment to leading the city through its challenges and addressing the needs of New Yorkers.
His refusal to step down, even in the face of serious legal troubles, has sparked a broader debate about the role of elected officials who face criminal charges while in office.
As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen how these charges will impact Adams' ability to govern. For now, Adams maintains that his administration will continue its work uninterrupted. He remains focused on serving the city and has shown no signs of backing down from his role.
