President-elect Donald Trump has announced he is open to pardoning New York City Mayor Eric Adams if the Democratic mayor is convicted on federal corruption charges. Speaking from his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, Trump expressed skepticism about the severity of the allegations, saying Adams “was treated pretty unfairly.”
Trump Suggests Unfair Treatment of the Embattled NYC Mayor Eric Adams
Adams, who has pleaded not guilty, faces charges including bribery, corruption, and wire fraud. Prosecutors allege he accepted luxury travel perks from foreign officials and solicited illegal campaign donations. Despite these accusations, Trump seemed to downplay the case, referencing reports that Adams was accused of something as minor as flight upgrades.
“I haven’t seen the gravity of it all,” Trump admitted. “But it seems, you know, like being upgraded in an airplane. I think that happens to everyone.”
Adams has maintained his innocence and suggested that the prosecution is politically motivated. He recently told talk show host Phil McGraw, “I was extremely vocal about the migrant crisis draining this city. I believe that’s why I’m being targeted.”
Trump echoed Adams’ sentiment, hinting at possible political interference. “Adams went against what was happening with the migrants coming in,” Trump remarked. “I even joked he’d be indicted soon. And a few months later, it happened.”
The charges have also taken a toll on Adams’ reelection bid. On Monday, the NYC Campaign Finance Board denied his campaign over $4 million in matching funds, citing potential violations. Additionally, his longtime aide, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, resigned amid her own legal troubles, announcing she expects to be charged by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
“I am being falsely accused,” Lewis-Martin declared at a press conference, claiming she had “never taken any gifts or money.”
Trump’s consideration of a pardon has further fueled speculation about Adams’ alignment with the incoming administration. Recently, Adams met with Trump’s border advisor and retained a lawyer known for representing Trump allies.
“No American should go through what I’m going through,” Adams lamented. “The only consolation is that my mother isn’t alive to see this. It hurts a lot.”
For now, Trump has committed only to reviewing the case, but his remarks provide a glimmer of hope for the embattled mayor. “I would certainly look at it,” Trump said.