Gov. Kathy Hochul convened with city leaders on Monday evening to strategize a potential path forward that could potentially result in the removal of embattled Mayor Eric Adams. The urgency of the situation was underscored by the resignation of four of Adams’ deputy mayors on the same day. These officials cited their inability to continue working with the mayor due to his controversial cooperation with President Trump on immigration policies and the fallout from the Justice Department’s decision to drop the campaign fraud charges against Adams.
In light of these developments, Hochul raised concerns about the viability of Adams’ mayoral administration. While the City Charter grants the governor the authority to oust a sitting mayor, such a move would be unprecedented in New York City’s history. Calls for Adams’ removal intensified after the recent revelations that his legal team allegedly offered a quid pro quo to the Justice Department in exchange for dropping the charges.
The Justice Department’s move to dismiss the case “without prejudice” has fueled fears that Adams could be coerced into further collaboration with Trump. The resignations of federal prosecutors, including U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon, following this development further heightened the sense of crisis. Amid the escalating turmoil, Hochul acknowledged the weight of the decision before her and hinted at a possible course of action.
Expressing her commitment to the well-being of New York City residents, Hochul emphasized the gravity of the allegations against Adams and signaled her willingness to consider extraordinary measures. Despite the unprecedented nature of such a decision, the governor underscored the need to address the troubling reports emerging from City Hall.
The meeting between Hochul and city leaders in Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday carries significant implications for Adams’ future. The composition of the attendees remains undisclosed, adding an air of anticipation to the gathering. City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and City Comptroller Brad Lander have both publicly called for the mayor’s resignation or outlined steps for potential removal, reflecting the mounting pressure on Adams to step down.
In the face of mounting challenges, Adams has remained defiant, insisting that he will not resign despite the growing calls for his removal. His interactions with congregants in Queens and Brooklyn underscore his resolve to weather the storm. As the political drama unfolds, the fate of Mayor Eric Adams hangs in the balance, with the specter of unprecedented action looming on the horizon.
