Hochul Considers Removing NYC Mayor Eric Adams Amid Scandal \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ New York Governor Kathy Hochul is considering the unprecedented removal of Mayor Eric Adams following his corruption case dismissal and growing doubts about his leadership. The decision comes after multiple top aides resigned and amid accusations of political maneuvering between Adams and President Donald Trump. Hochul has met with key political figures as calls for Adams’ resignation intensify.
Mayor Eric Adams’ Future in Doubt: Quick Looks
- Hochul Considers Ousting Adams: The governor met with top political leaders as concerns over Adams’ ability to govern mount.
- Corruption Case Dropped: The Justice Department dismissed bribery charges against Adams, fueling controversy.
- Mass Resignations in City Hall: Four of Adams’ top deputies resigned, raising questions about the administration’s stability.
- Growing Political Pressure: NYC officials and community leaders are debating Adams’ future in office.
- Ties to Trump Under Scrutiny: Adams strengthened ties with Trump after the former president’s election victory.
- Court Ruling Could Decide Fate: A judge is set to formally rule on the case’s dismissal, influencing Hochul’s next steps.
Deep Look
Hochul Meets Political Leaders Amid Adams’ Crisis
New York Governor Kathy Hochul is seriously considering an unprecedented move—removing Mayor Eric Adams from office as his administration faces a deepening political crisis.
On Tuesday, Hochul met privately with key political figures, including:
- U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (House Minority Leader)
- NYC Comptroller Brad Lander
- City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams
- Rev. Al Sharpton
- U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks
These meetings came just one day after four of Adams’ top deputies resigned, leading Hochul to publicly question the long-term viability of his administration.
“This raises serious questions about the long-term future of this mayoral administration,” Hochul said in a statement.
While she has been reluctant to directly remove Adams, arguing it would be an undemocratic decision, the recent wave of resignations and mounting legal challenges appear to have shifted her thinking.
Justice Department Drops Adams’ Corruption Case, Fuels Political Firestorm
Adams’ troubles began in November 2023, when federal investigators seized his phones as part of an investigation into his 2021 mayoral campaign fundraising. The probe escalated, leading to Adams’ indictment on bribery and corruption charges, accusing him of accepting illegal donations and overseas trips in exchange for favors to the Turkish government.
However, in a shocking reversal, the Justice Department dropped the charges on January 10, 2025, reportedly to allow Adams to work more closely with Trump’s immigration policies.
The decision triggered a wave of resignations among career prosecutors, with some calling the move a political interference in the justice system.
The interim U.S. attorney for Manhattan, who stepped down in protest, revealed in a letter that Adams’ legal team offered the mayor’s cooperation on immigration policy in exchange for dropping the case.
Adams’ attorneys vehemently denied any quid-pro-quo agreement, but the controversy has deepened distrust in his administration.
Mayor’s Office in Chaos: Resignations and Political Uncertainty
Hochul’s concern about Adams’ leadership grew after four senior officials in City Hall abruptly resigned. These departures have left significant gaps in the city’s leadership, adding to questions about Adams’ ability to govern effectively.
Meanwhile, New York City’s “committee on inability”—a five-person body with the power to remove the mayor—has begun informal discussions about his future.
City Comptroller Brad Lander, a potential challenger to Adams in the upcoming June Democratic primary, has stated that if Adams fails to present a clear plan for leading the city, he will move to convene the panel.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, another committee member, released a statement urging Adams to “deeply reflect” on whether he can continue leading the city.
Adams Remains Defiant Amid Mounting Pressure
While attending a press conference Tuesday about a police detective shot in the shoulder, Adams refused to address questions about the calls for his resignation.
Later, when reporters asked him why he had not taken media questions for weeks, Adams bluntly responded:
“’Cause y’all liars.”
Despite growing speculation about his future, Adams has not indicated any intention of stepping down.
Adams’ Growing Alliance with Trump Raises Eyebrows
A major factor complicating Adams’ position is his growing political alignment with President Donald Trump.
Initially a Democrat who criticized Trump, Adams began shifting toward Trump’s camp during the 2024 election, especially as the former president ramped up immigration enforcement efforts.
Adams’ relationship with Trump intensified after his indictment. Following Trump’s election victory in November 2024:
- Trump suggested a potential pardon for Adams, claiming he was “treated unfairly.”
- Adams skipped a planned MLK Day event in New York to attend Trump’s inauguration in Washington, D.C.
- The mayor flew to Florida to meet privately with Trump, discussing immigration policy and federal support for NYC.
- Adams signaled willingness to relax NYC’s “sanctuary city” policies and work more closely with federal authorities.
Critics argue Adams’ sudden coziness with Trump suggests he prioritized political survival over Democratic principles, further alienating him from his party.
What Happens Next? Hochul Weighs Removal While Court Ruling Looms
Hochul is expected to wait for a judge’s ruling on Wednesday regarding the formal dismissal of Adams’ corruption case before making a decision on his removal.
According to Rev. Al Sharpton, who met with Hochul on Tuesday:
“The governor said she will see what the judge decides tomorrow and continue deliberating with other leaders.”
Legal experts warn that removing a sitting mayor would lead to an unprecedented legal battle, potentially dragging on for months.
However, with the city’s leadership in turmoil, many officials—including Adams’ own political allies—are privately urging him to step aside voluntarily before a formal removal process begins.
Conclusion: A City in Crisis, a Mayor Under Fire
Mayor Eric Adams’ political survival is in serious jeopardy, with Governor Hochul, city leaders, and Democratic officials openly questioning his ability to lead.
If the judge allows the formal dismissal of the case, Adams may gain temporary relief, but his eroding support among Democratic power players suggests that his days as mayor may be numbered.
Whether Hochul ultimately removes Adams or not, New York City is now plunged into an unprecedented leadership crisis, leaving the future of the mayor’s office uncertain.
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