As his federal trial approaches, Eric Adams has dinner with Trump
The mayor of New York City mentioned that their conversation in West Palm Beach, Florida, focused on Israel and the economy, and did not touch upon his criminal case.
TroibNews 
**NEW YORK — In Eric Adams’ view, his recent trip to Florida to meet with President-elect Donald Trump was focused solely on substantial policies, rather than on the mayor’s legal challenges.**
“President Trump and I had a productive conversation about New York’s needs and what’s best for our city, and how the federal government can play a more helpful role in improving the lives of New Yorkers,” Adams stated in a prepared release following the meeting.
The mayor, a Democrat who often finds common ground with New York Republicans, noted that his lunch with Trump near Mar-a-Lago covered topics such as the Middle East cease-fire agreement, manufacturing jobs in the Bronx, and infrastructure.
“To be clear, we did not discuss my legal case, and those who suggest the mayor of the largest city in the nation shouldn't meet with the incoming president to discuss our city's priorities because of inaccurate speculation or because we're from different parties clearly care more about politics than people,” Adams remarked.
As reported by The New York Times, the meeting also included longtime Adams advisor Frank Carone, Trump’s son Eric, and New York developer Steve Witkoff, who has been appointed by Trump as his Middle East envoy. Carone, who established a consulting and lobbying firm after leaving city government, played a crucial role in organizing the meeting, according to multiple sources.
Adams faces five counts from federal prosecutors, with his trial scheduled for April regarding a bribery case. Once Trump is inaugurated on Monday, he could possess the authority to pardon Adams or influence his case, a possibility the president-elect has indicated he is contemplating.
Adams made an unanticipated trip to Palm Beach Thursday night following the arrangement of his meeting with Trump.
During their discussion, Adams shared that the group talked about the implications of the Middle East accord, which is set to take effect Sunday, and its potential benefits for domestic public safety.
“I will take every opportunity possible to advocate for New Yorkers and our city, and after our discussion, I strongly believe there is much our city and the federal government can partner on to make New York City safer, stronger, and more affordable,” Adams continued in his statement. “I thank President Trump for his time and attention and look forward to working with him to benefit all New Yorkers.”
However, the reaction back in New York was less than warm.
Adams' challengers in the upcoming Democratic primary framed his trip as a desperate bid for clemency. Additionally, Al Sharpton has suggested that as Adams aligns himself more closely with Trump, he risks alienating his key base of Black voters.
The meeting marks the culmination of a series of Adams' attempts to engage with Trump amid their respective legal predicaments. Throughout the presidential campaign, the big-city mayor refrained from criticizing Trump, even as he publicly criticized President Joe Biden’s immigration policies. Both Adams and Trump have portrayed themselves as victims of a politically motivated Department of Justice.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
“President Trump and I had a productive conversation about New York’s needs and what’s best for our city, and how the federal government can play a more helpful role in improving the lives of New Yorkers,” Adams stated in a prepared release following the meeting.
The mayor, a Democrat who often finds common ground with New York Republicans, noted that his lunch with Trump near Mar-a-Lago covered topics such as the Middle East cease-fire agreement, manufacturing jobs in the Bronx, and infrastructure.
“To be clear, we did not discuss my legal case, and those who suggest the mayor of the largest city in the nation shouldn't meet with the incoming president to discuss our city's priorities because of inaccurate speculation or because we're from different parties clearly care more about politics than people,” Adams remarked.
As reported by The New York Times, the meeting also included longtime Adams advisor Frank Carone, Trump’s son Eric, and New York developer Steve Witkoff, who has been appointed by Trump as his Middle East envoy. Carone, who established a consulting and lobbying firm after leaving city government, played a crucial role in organizing the meeting, according to multiple sources.
Adams faces five counts from federal prosecutors, with his trial scheduled for April regarding a bribery case. Once Trump is inaugurated on Monday, he could possess the authority to pardon Adams or influence his case, a possibility the president-elect has indicated he is contemplating.
Adams made an unanticipated trip to Palm Beach Thursday night following the arrangement of his meeting with Trump.
During their discussion, Adams shared that the group talked about the implications of the Middle East accord, which is set to take effect Sunday, and its potential benefits for domestic public safety.
“I will take every opportunity possible to advocate for New Yorkers and our city, and after our discussion, I strongly believe there is much our city and the federal government can partner on to make New York City safer, stronger, and more affordable,” Adams continued in his statement. “I thank President Trump for his time and attention and look forward to working with him to benefit all New Yorkers.”
However, the reaction back in New York was less than warm.
Adams' challengers in the upcoming Democratic primary framed his trip as a desperate bid for clemency. Additionally, Al Sharpton has suggested that as Adams aligns himself more closely with Trump, he risks alienating his key base of Black voters.
The meeting marks the culmination of a series of Adams' attempts to engage with Trump amid their respective legal predicaments. Throughout the presidential campaign, the big-city mayor refrained from criticizing Trump, even as he publicly criticized President Joe Biden’s immigration policies. Both Adams and Trump have portrayed themselves as victims of a politically motivated Department of Justice.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
