New York City Mayor Eric Adams is under renewed scrutiny as the city’s Campaign Finance Board intensifies its investigation into his past and present campaign practices. The denial of over $4 million in public matching funds, paired with allegations linked to fundraisers and potential federal violations, has created serious challenges for Adams’ reelection campaign. Although his legal team denies wrongdoing, the financial and political fallout continues to grow.
NYC Campaign Finance Board Expands Inquiry into Mayor Eric Adams
Regulators Demand Detailed Campaign Records
On April 11, the New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) sent a letter to Mayor Eric Adams’ campaign team seeking new details about campaign finances, specifically a lease for an office used by fundraiser Winnie Greco. Greco’s two properties were previously raided by the FBI in February 2024. The Board is also requesting communications related to the campaign office in a Queens shopping mall.
According to Jesse Schaffer, the board’s director of special compliance, there is reason to believe the campaign violated federal statutes and campaign finance rules.
Questions Surround Fundraisers and Donations
Suspicious Contributors Identified
The CFB’s investigation includes scrutiny of several fundraisers, hosts, and donors — many of whom were mentioned in a joint report by THE CITY and Documented that questioned the legality of certain donations during Adams’ 2021 campaign. The Board first raised concerns about potential violations in late 2024, which led to its initial decision to deny Adams more than $4 million in public matching funds.
Adams is now running as an independent candidate for reelection in November 2025, after bypassing what was expected to be a difficult Democratic primary.
Adams Campaign Denies Wrongdoing
Spokesperson Pushes Back on Allegations
Todd Shapiro, spokesperson for the Adams campaign, firmly denied any misconduct.
“The campaign has not engaged in any illegal behavior,” he said, emphasizing their commitment to “good government, transparency, and integrity.”
Despite this, a follow-up letter from the CFB on April 15 reiterated its decision to deny Adams nearly $4.5 million in public funds — a move that presents a major setback for his reelection effort.
Bribery Case and Political Tensions with Trump Administration
Allegations of Quid Pro Quo and Case Dismissal
One of the factors influencing the Board’s decisions was the five-count federal bribery indictment Adams faced last year, which was ultimately dismissed by Trump’s Department of Justice in April 2025. The dismissal caused internal controversy within the DOJ and triggered speculation about a quid pro quo arrangement between Adams and President Donald Trump regarding immigration enforcement. Adams has publicly denied any such deal.
Potential $10 Million Repayment Demand Looms
Public Funds May Need to Be Returned
The CFB is also evaluating whether Adams’ 2021 campaign so thoroughly misused the public financing system that the city could demand repayment of the $10 million in public funds it received. A letter to Judge Dale Ho from the Board’s general counsel, Joseph Gallagher, supported efforts to unseal related legal documents and hinted at possible future legal action to recover the funds.
Such a finding could result in significant financial liability for both Adams’ campaign and the mayor himself.
Legal and Political Future Uncertain
Campaign Vows Legal Fight to Regain Funds
Despite the setbacks, Adams’ legal team continues to pursue all available channels to reclaim public financing.
“We believe we are rightfully entitled,” said Shapiro, while emphasizing that the mayor remains focused on leading the city.
The CFB’s aggressive stance signals that the case is far from over — and may continue to shape both the mayor’s political future and the city’s approach to campaign finance oversight.
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