New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing federal charges of accepting bribes and soliciting illegal foreign donations to his election campaign, making him the first sitting mayor in modern history to face criminal charges. The indictment, unsealed on Thursday, alleges that Adams sought and received illegal contributions, luxury travel benefits, and gifts from foreign businesspeople and a Turkish government official. Adams has denied the charges, vowing to fight them with all his strength.
The investigation has led to the resignation of high-ranking officials in Adams’s administration, including police and health commissioners, schools chancellor, and chief counsel. Calls for Adams to resign have been mounting, with several politicians and lawmakers urging him to step down, citing concerns about the city’s governance and the ongoing federal probes.
Although Adams is not required to step down, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has the power to remove him from office. Hochul has not commented on the case yet, and it remains unclear if she will exercise this power. If Adams resigns before the end of his term in December 2025, the city’s public advocate would become acting mayor, and a special election would be scheduled.
Reactions to the indictment have been mixed, with some politicians, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, calling for Adams to resign for the good of the city. The ongoing investigations and vacancies in the administration are seen as threats to the city’s governance, leading to concerns about the mayor’s ability to lead effectively amidst the legal challenges. The future of Adams’s political career remains uncertain as the investigation continues.
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