Eric Adams firmly asserts his ability to maintain operations in New York City
The mayor adopted a defiant stance and chose not to condemn Trump for his ‘king’ comment.
TroibNews 
NEW YORK — Mayor Eric Adams expressed a firm belief on Wednesday that New York City is operating effectively, despite the looming resignations of four of his deputies, the withdrawal of several prosecutors from his case, and his uncertain future with a federal judge overseeing proceedings against him.
His show of defiance came as he faces potential challenges from fellow Democrats in office.
Adams continued his trend of refraining from criticizing President Donald Trump, who recently made a statement, "long live the king," regarding his efforts to eliminate New York’s congestion pricing toll scheme.
“I think that’s a question to ask the president, what he meant by it,” Adams stated in an interview with News12. “The other day, I did a comparison of how Mein Kampf is a big lie, and all of a sudden people are saying I’m trying to compare myself to those who are Holocaust survivors.”
The mayor reiterated his stance that he is not in the business of “trying to cancel people every time they talk.”
Adams has expressed a desire to collaborate with Trump on aspects of the Republican president’s deportation agenda in the nation’s largest “sanctuary city.” Their connection is further complicated by Adams’ ongoing federal criminal case, with Trump’s Department of Justice instructing Manhattan prosecutors to dismiss the corruption charges against him. Additionally, Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove argued, including in court on Wednesday, that Adams is essential for immigration enforcement in the city.
As discussions among Governor Kathy Hochul and various New York Democratic leaders on potentially removing him from office continue, Adams appears to be relying on Trump for support in his political future, with some suggesting City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams as a possible successor.
The mayor defended the stability of the city under his leadership.
He also downplayed the significance of the anticipated resignations of four deputy mayors, including those responsible for managing city operations. Adams denied any quid pro quo existed, a claim made by former interim U.S. Attorney for Manhattan Danielle Sassoon in her resignation letter. Sassoon and others resigned to protest Bove’s directive to dismiss the charges against Adams “without prejudice.”
“I had to swear under oath a question that has been, I think, inappropriately put out there that, was there some form of quid pro quo? Was I forced for my acknowledgment? Was I forced in anything? And under oath I clearly stated I was not,” Adams told NY1 on Wednesday. “And that was very important, because what is put in the universe is not always facts.”
He described the resignations of his deputies as “heartbreaking” but reminded that past mayors have encountered similar challenges.
“When this first came to light, you heard the same usual suspects that are calling out, you heard them talk about Eric should step down. No, I stepped up,” he said, referencing job growth, declining crime rates, and his “City of Yes” housing initiative. “I was clear then, and I’m clear now. You cannot be judged only by what you have done, but what you have overcome. And I’m going to continue to overcome.”
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News
His show of defiance came as he faces potential challenges from fellow Democrats in office.
Adams continued his trend of refraining from criticizing President Donald Trump, who recently made a statement, "long live the king," regarding his efforts to eliminate New York’s congestion pricing toll scheme.
“I think that’s a question to ask the president, what he meant by it,” Adams stated in an interview with News12. “The other day, I did a comparison of how Mein Kampf is a big lie, and all of a sudden people are saying I’m trying to compare myself to those who are Holocaust survivors.”
The mayor reiterated his stance that he is not in the business of “trying to cancel people every time they talk.”
Adams has expressed a desire to collaborate with Trump on aspects of the Republican president’s deportation agenda in the nation’s largest “sanctuary city.” Their connection is further complicated by Adams’ ongoing federal criminal case, with Trump’s Department of Justice instructing Manhattan prosecutors to dismiss the corruption charges against him. Additionally, Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove argued, including in court on Wednesday, that Adams is essential for immigration enforcement in the city.
As discussions among Governor Kathy Hochul and various New York Democratic leaders on potentially removing him from office continue, Adams appears to be relying on Trump for support in his political future, with some suggesting City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams as a possible successor.
The mayor defended the stability of the city under his leadership.
He also downplayed the significance of the anticipated resignations of four deputy mayors, including those responsible for managing city operations. Adams denied any quid pro quo existed, a claim made by former interim U.S. Attorney for Manhattan Danielle Sassoon in her resignation letter. Sassoon and others resigned to protest Bove’s directive to dismiss the charges against Adams “without prejudice.”
“I had to swear under oath a question that has been, I think, inappropriately put out there that, was there some form of quid pro quo? Was I forced for my acknowledgment? Was I forced in anything? And under oath I clearly stated I was not,” Adams told NY1 on Wednesday. “And that was very important, because what is put in the universe is not always facts.”
He described the resignations of his deputies as “heartbreaking” but reminded that past mayors have encountered similar challenges.
“When this first came to light, you heard the same usual suspects that are calling out, you heard them talk about Eric should step down. No, I stepped up,” he said, referencing job growth, declining crime rates, and his “City of Yes” housing initiative. “I was clear then, and I’m clear now. You cannot be judged only by what you have done, but what you have overcome. And I’m going to continue to overcome.”
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News
