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NYC Mayor Eric Adams Faces Political Crisis Over Trump Ties

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing internal opposition from his own administration as his increasing alignment with former President Donald Trump sparks concerns among his deputy mayors. The situation escalated after the Justice Department dropped corruption charges against Adams, leading to speculation about political deals behind the scenes. The controversy has placed Adams in a difficult position, especially among Democratic voters, and his stance on immigration could further impact his political future.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, second from left, leaves the courthouse in New York on Oct. 2, 2024. | Seth Wenig/AP

Deputy Mayors Express Concerns Over Adams’ Leadership

Several deputy mayors in New York City have voiced serious concerns about Mayor Eric Adams’ leadership and political decisions. The concerns were discussed in a tense Friday night meeting at Adams’ official residence, Gracie Mansion. This meeting, attended by key members of Adams’ administration, focused on his growing ties with former President Donald Trump, which many in his team view as politically damaging.

Speculation of Resignations Within the Administration

Following the meeting, speculation arose that some of Adams’ deputy mayors were considering resigning due to their discomfort with his recent actions. However, Adams’ spokesperson Kayla Mamelak Altus denied these claims, stating that no one has resigned from the administration despite internal disagreements.

Corruption Charges Dropped, But at What Cost?

The controversy surrounding Adams deepened after the Justice Department dropped corruption charges against him. This decision was met with strong opposition from the acting prosecutor, who resigned in protest. In her resignation letter, she accused Adams of striking a deal—his freedom in exchange for support of Trump’s immigration policies. Adams’ lawyer Alex Spiro denied the allegations, calling them “a total lie.”

Adams’ Changing Stance on Immigration

One of the most significant sources of internal conflict is Adams’ apparent shift in stance on immigration enforcement. In a recent interview on Fox & Friends, he laughed off a warning from federal border czar Tom Homan, who threatened to pressure him into complying with Trump’s deportation agenda. Adams initially stated support for civil enforcement of migrants, a significant departure from his previous stance. However, he later walked back his comments, recognizing the potential backlash from Democratic voters.

Political Fallout and Public Reactions

Adams’ growing ties to Trump and his immigration policies have put him in greater political danger as he faces potential challengers in a future Democratic primary. Critics, including political commentator Robert George, mocked Adams’ situation, calling it “the most humiliating thing ever seen for a New York City mayor.”

Legal Challenges and Financial Disputes

In response to criticism, Adams threatened legal action against the Trump administration for seizing $80 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds intended for migrant shelter programs. The issue was made public by mayoral candidate Brad Lander, the current city comptroller, adding more pressure on Adams.

What’s Next for Mayor Adams?

With growing discontent among his own administration, legal uncertainties, and a shifting political landscape, Adams faces one of the biggest crises of his career. Whether he can maintain control over his administration and navigate the backlash remains uncertain, but his political future now hangs in the balance.

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