The once-amicable relationship between President Joe Biden and New York City Mayor Eric Adams has hit a frosty patch, marked by nearly a year of silence between the two political figures. The estrangement has deepened as Adams faces a federal investigation into potential collusion with foreign interests during his mayoral campaign.
Adams, a Black, politically moderate former cop, was initially embraced by Biden despite past ethical concerns. However, the mayor’s recent criticism of the president’s approach to the migrant crisis and the ongoing federal investigation have strained their ties further.
The FBI’s recent raid on Adams’ chief fundraiser’s home, coupled with allegations of campaign improprieties, led the mayor to abruptly cancel high-level Washington meetings on migrant funding. While Adams remains unapologetic about demanding more federal assistance for the migrant crisis, his comments have contributed to the growing disconnect between him and the president.
Biden’s advisors now see the rift as a protective measure, insulating the president from potential political fallout. Although rumors about Adams’ past probes circulated in New York, the White House claims not to have received any advance notice about the mayor’s recent legal troubles.
Adams’ supporters argue that the scrutiny he faces is disproportionately intense due to his race, while critics question whether Biden’s Department of Justice is targeting the mayor for his criticism of the president.
Despite Adams’ assurance that the White House did not influence his decision to return to New York amid the federal investigation, the cancellation of high-profile meetings has fueled speculation. The silence between Biden and Adams has forced the two Democrats to rely on intermediaries for discussions on federal funding related to the migrant crisis.
The strained relationship marks a significant shift from earlier interactions, with Biden once commending Adams at events focused on gun violence strategies. The president and mayor’s last conversation occurred briefly in January, and Adams was removed from Biden’s National Advisory Board in May.
As the federal investigation unfolds, Adams’ political future remains uncertain, and the growing rift with Biden adds another layer of complexity to this evolving political drama.
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