Eric Adams May Face Serious Challenges, According to Our Insiders.
Four seasoned reporters from New York analyze the ascent and decline of Mayor Eric Adams, offering insights on what might be ahead.
TroibNews 
New York City's political landscape has been in turmoil since Eric Adams became the first sitting mayor in the city’s history to face federal criminal charges.
On Friday morning, Adams arrived at the federal courthouse at 500 Pearl Street in downtown Manhattan for his initial court appearance, just a day after a federal indictment alleging bribery and fraud was made public. As expected, he pleaded not guilty, but calls for his resignation have intensified. Despite the mounting pressure, he has remained defiant and shows no signs of stepping down or shifting his already struggling reelection campaign into a higher gear.
Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul has begun exploring the possibility of removing Adams, a move that could lead to complex legal and political ramifications. Former President Donald Trump has also joined the conversation, framing Adams as another victim of politically-driven prosecutors.
This unfolding situation raises numerous legal and political questions with potential repercussions that extend across New York and beyond.
To better understand the current scenario and what may lie ahead, we gathered a panel of seasoned New York legal and political reporters. Participating in the discussion were Erica Orden, who covers legal matters and was present in the courthouse for Adams’ hearing; Sally Goldenberg, senior editor for New York; Joe Anuta, who reports on City Hall; and David Freedlander, a contributing writer focusing on New York politics for PMG Magazine.
This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Erica, you have been actively covering several high-profile legal proceedings this year in downtown New York. Following the Trump trial, we now have this case unfolding at the federal courthouse. Can you describe your observations from inside the courthouse today?
Orden: If you had asked me this question a couple of years ago, I would probably have been blown away by the spectacle of it. But, for better or worse, Trump has really raised the bar on how insane a courthouse scenario can be. And so even though it was remarkable to see him sitting there in this quiet courtroom and see him plead not guilty, there’s no Secret Service there. There’s no massive security presence.
Joe, you've tracked Adams for quite some time. For those unfamiliar with him, can you elaborate on his political history and the issues that have shadowed him regarding potential improprieties?
Anuta: He’s been a public figure for really decades at this point. When he was in the NYPD, which he retired from as a captain, he was a very vocal member of the NYPD in a way that is just unusual. You don’t see it today: Someone at his rank having press conferences and speaking out about things he didn’t like about the department. He was head of a fraternal organization within the department — 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care.
He served as a state senator representing a small part of Brooklyn for many years and gained a reputation as a bombastic speaker who knew how to attract media attention. Adams has always been in the spotlight and appears quite comfortable there.
Interestingly, this bold style has served him well. He’s a strong campaigner and an effective messenger. Winning the borough president’s race in 2013, he spent eight years in a largely ceremonial role that serves as a launching pad for those seeking higher office, providing opportunities to engage with community groups.
There have been reports of his frequent interactions with specific communities that seem disproportionate given their size, such as the Turkish community in Brooklyn.
Has he changed at all since his earlier days? There have been stories about his social life, including late nights with wealthy individuals. Is that part of a longer-term trend, or is it relatively new?
Anuta: I don’t think he’s changed much.
Freedlander: I don’t think he’s changed much either. I think that when you’re a state senator and a Brooklyn borough president, no one really cares about what you do. So I think we probably all heard stories about him back in the day.
He did seem to take his health more seriously over time, adopting certain spiritual and dietary changes.
Sally, considering Adams’ style of governance, did something like this — perhaps not an indictment but a significant scandal — seem inevitable?
Goldenberg: We knew that he was always of interest to prosecutors in his days in the state Senate. Their interest in him doesn’t surprise me. I don’t know if I’d say an indictment felt inevitable, because I didn’t cover him automatically assuming he was guilty of a crime.
But I’m not shocked that they were looking into him. They’ve always shown an interest in him, and his behavior has always been unorthodox.
David, do you think this eccentricity contributed to his appeal as mayor?
Freedlander: I don’t think so, to be honest. If you thought of his appeal, this would be a third or fourth order level of appeal.
I think his appeal was that the city’s politics are very much broken down along tribal and ethnic lines. He was able to consolidate the Black and Hispanic vote and also reach out to Asian and Orthodox Jewish communities and outer borough white moderates. He campaigned on a promise to clean up the city, reduce crime, and embrace business interests. Additionally, he fostered a relationship with the New York Post, which softened their coverage of him as he represented a counterpoint to the perceptions of the "woke" agenda.
While his eccentricity may have made him enjoyable to cover, it didn’t contribute to his overall appeal.
Anuta: He’s a very authentic New York character. The eccentricity is part of it, which has enabled him to connect effectively with constituents in ways that former mayors like Bill de Blasio and Mike Bloomberg could not. He demonstrates firsthand experience with the problems residents are facing and offers solutions.
Freedlander: I completely agree with that assessment. He possesses a natural charisma that distinguishes him from mere eccentricity.
Erica, you've seen various high-profile criminal cases in New York. Did anything particular in the indictment — which are only allegations, to emphasize — stand out to you?
Orden: What caught my eye about the indictment was that they chose to issue what’s called a speaking indictment. In comparison, if you look at the Sean Combs indictment that surfaced recently, it’s relatively short with few details. The allegations are serious, but they lack depth.
On the other hand, the Eric Adams indictment spans 57 pages and is rich in detail. It includes photos of luxury hotel rooms he occupied, snippets of conversations, and text messages. Notably, there’s a description of a staffer excusing herself during an FBI interview to delete encrypted apps used for communication.
That level of detail is not always present, and while it’s a standard practice for the Southern District of New York to provide extensive information, in this case, it was a deliberate choice. They certainly were not compelled to include that much information.
Given that Adams is a sitting mayor and planning to run for reelection, it seems that prosecutors felt compelled to make these allegations public.
Orden: Exactly. They want to disseminate this information regardless of whether the case goes to trial, making it public. Once it’s out, it can’t be retracted.
Joe, how has the response been within New York’s political landscape? Are there notable divisions among city, state, and federal officials regarding these charges?
Anuta: The divisions mainly reflect the political spectrum. Early on, numerous left-leaning members of the Democratic Party called for Adams to resign, many of whom have been critical of him for years. This situation has aided those who oppose him to strengthen their political positions. Local elected officials in the Progressive Caucus called for his resignation, and even Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined the chorus.
However, Adams doesn’t appear to be fazed by these calls. In fact, he may use this to his advantage, suggesting to his supporters that they are trying to exploit unconfirmed allegations to push him out of office.
What’s critical to watch is when and if this pressure impacts his supporters or allies. Currently, there doesn’t seem to be any significant movement in that direction. Hochul released a statement indicating the seriousness of the allegations but didn’t suggest any immediate plans for action. Rep. Jerry Nadler also called for his resignation, but it’s worth noting that he has a protégé running against Adams in the upcoming mayoral race. Thus, the political divisions are noteworthy, yet we haven’t seen a substantial crossover into Adams’ support base.
Sally, while the legal proceedings will unfold, the immediate focus is on the political implications. What are the chances Adams steps down, and what could happen thereafter?
Goldenberg: I don’t think he’s going to step down. He has stated his intention not to, and I expect him to fight the charges. Unless he cuts a deal that requires him to step aside, I don’t foresee that happening. If he stays in office, there will be a Democratic primary next June as planned. Should he choose to resign, a nonpartisan special election would be held within 90 days.
What’s his current standing in the primary?
Goldenberg: His polling numbers are poor, and that was the case even prior to these charges coming to light. I haven’t seen a recent public poll since the indictment dropped, but I assume it hasn't improved. His figure was at 28 percent in December, historically low for an incumbent due to prevailing issues like budget cuts, crime, and homelessness. So, his political state was already precarious before the indictment.
There’s a scenario where he might try to endure, lose his primary, fulfill his term, and subsequently contend with his criminal case.
Goldenberg: Correct. I see no reason for him to step down unless it’s part of a deal with prosecutors.
There’s a possibility that if voters perceive him as mistreated, it could bolster his standing. He might draw parallels to Donald Trump, who secured the nomination despite numerous indictments. Adams could promote the narrative that he’s being targeted due to his criticisms of the Biden administration concerning insufficient resources for the migrant crisis. If he can effectively sell that viewpoint to his supporters, it could backfire positively.
However, New York City’s engaged primary base is inherently critical and focused on good governance, likely unimpressed by that line of argument. Hence, the outcome remains uncertain. But I don’t anticipate him stepping down.
And what about Governor Hochul? Is there a real possibility she would pursue his removal?
Goldenberg: Hochul is notoriously cautious and politically aligned with Adams. Whether or not she personally likes him, their political ties matter.
If she were to push for his removal and a special election follows — where figures like Andrew Cuomo could run and potentially win — she risks enhancing his political standing. Cuomo has expressed that he wants his position back and may view Hochul as a rival.
I’d like to hear from everyone. Now that Adams has been arraigned, the public and political frenzy might lessen. What do you all foresee in the coming weeks and months?
Orden: While it may calm, it might not. There are several ongoing investigations that seem to be intensifying rather than fading. One question I have is why they opted to charge him now instead of simultaneous charges for multiple alleged schemes.
Anuta: I foresee a significant confrontation ahead. Adams is entrenched, and there will likely be substantial friction with U.S. Attorney Damian Williams from the Southern District.
The mayor appears ready to confront this situation and has criticized the White House, suggesting that his disagreements have made him a target. Federal politics will definitely play a role as this situation develops.
Freedlander: I’m curious about how this prosecution will advance while he’s pursuing reelection. It would be a remarkable embarrassment for the SDNY if he were to win, creating pressure for them to resolve his case — whether through trial or a plea agreement — before the situation escalates.
Goldenberg: We’ll stay tuned for the developments. Federal prosecutors and the FBI have already raided the homes and seized the phones of at least five of his close aides.
Anuta: Six. Ingrid [Lewis-Martin] just had her phone taken by the Manhattan DA as we were speaking.
The Manhattan DA?
Orden: Ah, now there’s another investigation.
Goldenberg: That’s why I was about to say, stay tuned. I don’t believe what we saw on Thursday represents their strongest case.
I’m puzzled about why they led with this when we know — some of which we’ll uncover soon — that there could be stronger evidence against various aspects.
Thomas Evans contributed to this report for TROIB News
On Friday morning, Adams arrived at the federal courthouse at 500 Pearl Street in downtown Manhattan for his initial court appearance, just a day after a federal indictment alleging bribery and fraud was made public. As expected, he pleaded not guilty, but calls for his resignation have intensified. Despite the mounting pressure, he has remained defiant and shows no signs of stepping down or shifting his already struggling reelection campaign into a higher gear.
Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul has begun exploring the possibility of removing Adams, a move that could lead to complex legal and political ramifications. Former President Donald Trump has also joined the conversation, framing Adams as another victim of politically-driven prosecutors.
This unfolding situation raises numerous legal and political questions with potential repercussions that extend across New York and beyond.
To better understand the current scenario and what may lie ahead, we gathered a panel of seasoned New York legal and political reporters. Participating in the discussion were Erica Orden, who covers legal matters and was present in the courthouse for Adams’ hearing; Sally Goldenberg, senior editor for New York; Joe Anuta, who reports on City Hall; and David Freedlander, a contributing writer focusing on New York politics for PMG Magazine.
This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Erica, you have been actively covering several high-profile legal proceedings this year in downtown New York. Following the Trump trial, we now have this case unfolding at the federal courthouse. Can you describe your observations from inside the courthouse today?
Orden: If you had asked me this question a couple of years ago, I would probably have been blown away by the spectacle of it. But, for better or worse, Trump has really raised the bar on how insane a courthouse scenario can be. And so even though it was remarkable to see him sitting there in this quiet courtroom and see him plead not guilty, there’s no Secret Service there. There’s no massive security presence.
Joe, you've tracked Adams for quite some time. For those unfamiliar with him, can you elaborate on his political history and the issues that have shadowed him regarding potential improprieties?
Anuta: He’s been a public figure for really decades at this point. When he was in the NYPD, which he retired from as a captain, he was a very vocal member of the NYPD in a way that is just unusual. You don’t see it today: Someone at his rank having press conferences and speaking out about things he didn’t like about the department. He was head of a fraternal organization within the department — 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care.
He served as a state senator representing a small part of Brooklyn for many years and gained a reputation as a bombastic speaker who knew how to attract media attention. Adams has always been in the spotlight and appears quite comfortable there.
Interestingly, this bold style has served him well. He’s a strong campaigner and an effective messenger. Winning the borough president’s race in 2013, he spent eight years in a largely ceremonial role that serves as a launching pad for those seeking higher office, providing opportunities to engage with community groups.
There have been reports of his frequent interactions with specific communities that seem disproportionate given their size, such as the Turkish community in Brooklyn.
Has he changed at all since his earlier days? There have been stories about his social life, including late nights with wealthy individuals. Is that part of a longer-term trend, or is it relatively new?
Anuta: I don’t think he’s changed much.
Freedlander: I don’t think he’s changed much either. I think that when you’re a state senator and a Brooklyn borough president, no one really cares about what you do. So I think we probably all heard stories about him back in the day.
He did seem to take his health more seriously over time, adopting certain spiritual and dietary changes.
Sally, considering Adams’ style of governance, did something like this — perhaps not an indictment but a significant scandal — seem inevitable?
Goldenberg: We knew that he was always of interest to prosecutors in his days in the state Senate. Their interest in him doesn’t surprise me. I don’t know if I’d say an indictment felt inevitable, because I didn’t cover him automatically assuming he was guilty of a crime.
But I’m not shocked that they were looking into him. They’ve always shown an interest in him, and his behavior has always been unorthodox.
David, do you think this eccentricity contributed to his appeal as mayor?
Freedlander: I don’t think so, to be honest. If you thought of his appeal, this would be a third or fourth order level of appeal.
I think his appeal was that the city’s politics are very much broken down along tribal and ethnic lines. He was able to consolidate the Black and Hispanic vote and also reach out to Asian and Orthodox Jewish communities and outer borough white moderates. He campaigned on a promise to clean up the city, reduce crime, and embrace business interests. Additionally, he fostered a relationship with the New York Post, which softened their coverage of him as he represented a counterpoint to the perceptions of the "woke" agenda.
While his eccentricity may have made him enjoyable to cover, it didn’t contribute to his overall appeal.
Anuta: He’s a very authentic New York character. The eccentricity is part of it, which has enabled him to connect effectively with constituents in ways that former mayors like Bill de Blasio and Mike Bloomberg could not. He demonstrates firsthand experience with the problems residents are facing and offers solutions.
Freedlander: I completely agree with that assessment. He possesses a natural charisma that distinguishes him from mere eccentricity.
Erica, you've seen various high-profile criminal cases in New York. Did anything particular in the indictment — which are only allegations, to emphasize — stand out to you?
Orden: What caught my eye about the indictment was that they chose to issue what’s called a speaking indictment. In comparison, if you look at the Sean Combs indictment that surfaced recently, it’s relatively short with few details. The allegations are serious, but they lack depth.
On the other hand, the Eric Adams indictment spans 57 pages and is rich in detail. It includes photos of luxury hotel rooms he occupied, snippets of conversations, and text messages. Notably, there’s a description of a staffer excusing herself during an FBI interview to delete encrypted apps used for communication.
That level of detail is not always present, and while it’s a standard practice for the Southern District of New York to provide extensive information, in this case, it was a deliberate choice. They certainly were not compelled to include that much information.
Given that Adams is a sitting mayor and planning to run for reelection, it seems that prosecutors felt compelled to make these allegations public.
Orden: Exactly. They want to disseminate this information regardless of whether the case goes to trial, making it public. Once it’s out, it can’t be retracted.
Joe, how has the response been within New York’s political landscape? Are there notable divisions among city, state, and federal officials regarding these charges?
Anuta: The divisions mainly reflect the political spectrum. Early on, numerous left-leaning members of the Democratic Party called for Adams to resign, many of whom have been critical of him for years. This situation has aided those who oppose him to strengthen their political positions. Local elected officials in the Progressive Caucus called for his resignation, and even Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined the chorus.
However, Adams doesn’t appear to be fazed by these calls. In fact, he may use this to his advantage, suggesting to his supporters that they are trying to exploit unconfirmed allegations to push him out of office.
What’s critical to watch is when and if this pressure impacts his supporters or allies. Currently, there doesn’t seem to be any significant movement in that direction. Hochul released a statement indicating the seriousness of the allegations but didn’t suggest any immediate plans for action. Rep. Jerry Nadler also called for his resignation, but it’s worth noting that he has a protégé running against Adams in the upcoming mayoral race. Thus, the political divisions are noteworthy, yet we haven’t seen a substantial crossover into Adams’ support base.
Sally, while the legal proceedings will unfold, the immediate focus is on the political implications. What are the chances Adams steps down, and what could happen thereafter?
Goldenberg: I don’t think he’s going to step down. He has stated his intention not to, and I expect him to fight the charges. Unless he cuts a deal that requires him to step aside, I don’t foresee that happening. If he stays in office, there will be a Democratic primary next June as planned. Should he choose to resign, a nonpartisan special election would be held within 90 days.
What’s his current standing in the primary?
Goldenberg: His polling numbers are poor, and that was the case even prior to these charges coming to light. I haven’t seen a recent public poll since the indictment dropped, but I assume it hasn't improved. His figure was at 28 percent in December, historically low for an incumbent due to prevailing issues like budget cuts, crime, and homelessness. So, his political state was already precarious before the indictment.
There’s a scenario where he might try to endure, lose his primary, fulfill his term, and subsequently contend with his criminal case.
Goldenberg: Correct. I see no reason for him to step down unless it’s part of a deal with prosecutors.
There’s a possibility that if voters perceive him as mistreated, it could bolster his standing. He might draw parallels to Donald Trump, who secured the nomination despite numerous indictments. Adams could promote the narrative that he’s being targeted due to his criticisms of the Biden administration concerning insufficient resources for the migrant crisis. If he can effectively sell that viewpoint to his supporters, it could backfire positively.
However, New York City’s engaged primary base is inherently critical and focused on good governance, likely unimpressed by that line of argument. Hence, the outcome remains uncertain. But I don’t anticipate him stepping down.
And what about Governor Hochul? Is there a real possibility she would pursue his removal?
Goldenberg: Hochul is notoriously cautious and politically aligned with Adams. Whether or not she personally likes him, their political ties matter.
If she were to push for his removal and a special election follows — where figures like Andrew Cuomo could run and potentially win — she risks enhancing his political standing. Cuomo has expressed that he wants his position back and may view Hochul as a rival.
I’d like to hear from everyone. Now that Adams has been arraigned, the public and political frenzy might lessen. What do you all foresee in the coming weeks and months?
Orden: While it may calm, it might not. There are several ongoing investigations that seem to be intensifying rather than fading. One question I have is why they opted to charge him now instead of simultaneous charges for multiple alleged schemes.
Anuta: I foresee a significant confrontation ahead. Adams is entrenched, and there will likely be substantial friction with U.S. Attorney Damian Williams from the Southern District.
The mayor appears ready to confront this situation and has criticized the White House, suggesting that his disagreements have made him a target. Federal politics will definitely play a role as this situation develops.
Freedlander: I’m curious about how this prosecution will advance while he’s pursuing reelection. It would be a remarkable embarrassment for the SDNY if he were to win, creating pressure for them to resolve his case — whether through trial or a plea agreement — before the situation escalates.
Goldenberg: We’ll stay tuned for the developments. Federal prosecutors and the FBI have already raided the homes and seized the phones of at least five of his close aides.
Anuta: Six. Ingrid [Lewis-Martin] just had her phone taken by the Manhattan DA as we were speaking.
The Manhattan DA?
Orden: Ah, now there’s another investigation.
Goldenberg: That’s why I was about to say, stay tuned. I don’t believe what we saw on Thursday represents their strongest case.
I’m puzzled about why they led with this when we know — some of which we’ll uncover soon — that there could be stronger evidence against various aspects.
Thomas Evans contributed to this report for TROIB News
