Eric Adams and Donald Trump Discover Similarities Amidst Their Legal Challenges
The indicted Democrat from New York City expressed that he is open to receiving support from the Republican presidential nominee.
TroibNews 
**NEW YORK** — Donald Trump has expressed his support for Eric Adams, and the Democratic mayor of New York City is taking it in stride.
During a City Hall news conference on Tuesday, where he addressed questions about his legal troubles from a persistent media crowd, Adams appeared to welcome Trump’s recent, though unproven, assertion that both he and the Republican presidential candidate are targets of a politically motivated federal justice department.
When asked about Trump’s support, Adams quickly acknowledged it, making the comments during his first press briefing since pleading not guilty to federal charges, including wire fraud and bribery, last Friday.
This event created a notable contrast from Adams' usual press briefings.
Typically, Adams holds his weekly conferences seated at a table surrounded by several of his top officials. However, on this occasion, he stood alone in the rotunda of the historic building under bright studio lights. Instead of aides—many of whom have resigned or faced FBI scrutiny—he was flanked by signs highlighting his accomplishments in safety, equity, and affordability.
The media presence was robust, with reporters crowded on the floor, including representatives from national and right-leaning outlets such as Fox News and the Washington Examiner.
A reporter from the Examiner pointed out Trump's defense of Adams, indicating that both men find themselves in similar legal situations.
“Do you welcome the support?” the reporter inquired.
“I welcome support from every American, no matter where they are and who they are,” Adams replied. “Those who know me and know how I am, and those just reading up on this. So every American in this great country, I welcome the support of.”
While he refrained from stating on Tuesday that he views himself as a victim of political persecution related to his public criticisms of President Biden's administration regarding migrant support, he did express such sentiments last week in a video he released upon learning of his indictment.
Trump echoed this idea in a news conference last week, saying, “I watched about a year ago when he talked about how the illegal migrants are hurting our city, and the federal government should pay us, and we shouldn’t have to take them. And I said: You know what? He’ll be indicted within a year. And I was exactly right.”
Critics have condemned Adams’ claims of retribution from federal authorities, likening them to Trump’s rhetoric, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who was among the first New York House Democrats to call for Adams’ resignation.
Though Adams has endorsed Democrat Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, he refrains from criticizing Trump, focusing instead on mobilizing Black male voters for Harris during a Democratic National Convention breakfast. Notably, he has distanced himself from both Biden and Harris, especially after tensions arose over the handling of the migrant crisis.
Adams faces charges of accepting extravagant travel perks, illegal campaign contributions, and other benefits from Turkish officials in exchange for facilitating the opening of the Turkish Consulate in Manhattan despite existing fire safety issues.
He once again denied any wrongdoing on Tuesday and reiterated his commitment to serving the 8.3 million residents of New York City as he prepares for his court appearance on Wednesday.
According to an adviser to Adams, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the decision for the mayor to appear solo was not due to staff abandonment but rather a desire to shield his aides from the spotlight of a conference mainly focused on his indictment.
When pressed about his capability to lead without distractions, Adams insisted that he has consistently managed multiple pressures throughout his life.
“Obstacles don’t stop me,” he stated. “They strengthen me, and that has been my life story.”
Joe Anuta contributed to this report.
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
During a City Hall news conference on Tuesday, where he addressed questions about his legal troubles from a persistent media crowd, Adams appeared to welcome Trump’s recent, though unproven, assertion that both he and the Republican presidential candidate are targets of a politically motivated federal justice department.
When asked about Trump’s support, Adams quickly acknowledged it, making the comments during his first press briefing since pleading not guilty to federal charges, including wire fraud and bribery, last Friday.
This event created a notable contrast from Adams' usual press briefings.
Typically, Adams holds his weekly conferences seated at a table surrounded by several of his top officials. However, on this occasion, he stood alone in the rotunda of the historic building under bright studio lights. Instead of aides—many of whom have resigned or faced FBI scrutiny—he was flanked by signs highlighting his accomplishments in safety, equity, and affordability.
The media presence was robust, with reporters crowded on the floor, including representatives from national and right-leaning outlets such as Fox News and the Washington Examiner.
A reporter from the Examiner pointed out Trump's defense of Adams, indicating that both men find themselves in similar legal situations.
“Do you welcome the support?” the reporter inquired.
“I welcome support from every American, no matter where they are and who they are,” Adams replied. “Those who know me and know how I am, and those just reading up on this. So every American in this great country, I welcome the support of.”
While he refrained from stating on Tuesday that he views himself as a victim of political persecution related to his public criticisms of President Biden's administration regarding migrant support, he did express such sentiments last week in a video he released upon learning of his indictment.
Trump echoed this idea in a news conference last week, saying, “I watched about a year ago when he talked about how the illegal migrants are hurting our city, and the federal government should pay us, and we shouldn’t have to take them. And I said: You know what? He’ll be indicted within a year. And I was exactly right.”
Critics have condemned Adams’ claims of retribution from federal authorities, likening them to Trump’s rhetoric, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who was among the first New York House Democrats to call for Adams’ resignation.
Though Adams has endorsed Democrat Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, he refrains from criticizing Trump, focusing instead on mobilizing Black male voters for Harris during a Democratic National Convention breakfast. Notably, he has distanced himself from both Biden and Harris, especially after tensions arose over the handling of the migrant crisis.
Adams faces charges of accepting extravagant travel perks, illegal campaign contributions, and other benefits from Turkish officials in exchange for facilitating the opening of the Turkish Consulate in Manhattan despite existing fire safety issues.
He once again denied any wrongdoing on Tuesday and reiterated his commitment to serving the 8.3 million residents of New York City as he prepares for his court appearance on Wednesday.
According to an adviser to Adams, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the decision for the mayor to appear solo was not due to staff abandonment but rather a desire to shield his aides from the spotlight of a conference mainly focused on his indictment.
When pressed about his capability to lead without distractions, Adams insisted that he has consistently managed multiple pressures throughout his life.
“Obstacles don’t stop me,” he stated. “They strengthen me, and that has been my life story.”
Joe Anuta contributed to this report.
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
