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Trump Weighs Pardoning NYC Mayor Eric Adams Amid Fraud Charges

Trump pardon Adams/ border wall sales/ Eric Adams fraud/ SoftBank U.S. investment/ Trump transition policies/ PALM BEACH/ Fla./ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President-elect Donald Trump said he would consider pardoning New York Mayor Eric Adams, who is facing federal fraud charges. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago resort, Trump also criticized the Biden administration for selling unused portions of the border wall and promised stricter measures for federal employees working remotely. The event also featured an announcement of a $100 billion U.S. investment from SoftBank.

President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump on Adams, Border Wall, and U.S. Investments: Quick Looks

  • Pardon for Eric Adams: Trump indicated he would consider a pardon for NYC Mayor Eric Adams, facing fraud and corruption charges involving luxury perks and campaign contributions from foreign nationals.
  • Border Wall Criticism: Trump criticized Biden’s sale of unused border wall materials, calling it “almost a criminal act,” and hinted at legal action with support from Texas officials.
  • Remote Work Stance: Trump pledged to end work-from-home policies for federal employees, stating they must return to offices or face dismissal.
  • Investment Announcement: SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son announced a $100 billion investment in U.S. projects over four years during the press conference.
  • Transition Updates: Trump described the transition between his team and the Biden administration as “friendly” but vowed to reverse several policies.

Trump Weighs Pardoning NYC Mayor Eric Adams Amid Fraud Charges

Deep Look

Trump Weighs Pardon for Eric Adams

During his first post-election press conference, President-elect Donald Trump said he would “consider” pardoning New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Adams faces federal charges of fraud and corruption, accused of accepting illegal campaign donations and luxury travel perks worth $100,000 from foreign nationals, including a Turkish official.

“I would,” Trump said when asked about a potential pardon, though he admitted he was not fully briefed on the specifics of the charges.

Adams has denied wrongdoing, while federal investigators have also launched probes into members of his administration.

Criticism of Border Wall Sales

Trump took aim at the Biden administration’s disposal of unused border wall materials purchased during his first term. The National Defense Authorization Act mandated that these materials be sold or donated to southern states for refurbishing existing barriers, not constructing new ones.

Calling the move “almost a criminal act,” Trump said he is consulting with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and other officials about seeking a restraining order to stop the sales.

“We’re going to spend hundreds of millions of dollars more on building the same wall we already have,” Trump said.

He urged Biden to halt the sales, emphasizing the importance of border security in his administration’s agenda.

Workplace Policies for Federal Employees

Trump also criticized remote work policies for federal employees, vowing to dismiss those unwilling to return to their offices.

“If they’re not coming back to work, they’re not working for the United States government,” Trump declared, signaling a major shift in federal workforce policies.

SoftBank’s $100 Billion Investment

The press event featured SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son, who announced a $100 billion investment in U.S. projects over the next four years. The deal represents a significant win for Trump’s transition efforts to attract foreign investment.

In a post on Truth Social last week, Trump vowed expedited approvals for billion-dollar projects, including environmental permits, to spur economic growth.

“GET READY TO ROCK!!!” Trump wrote, highlighting his plans to streamline government processes for major investments.

Looking Forward

Trump used the event to portray his transition as productive, claiming his administration has achieved more in weeks than Biden’s team did in years.

“There’s a whole light over the entire world,” Trump said. “There’s a light shining over the world.”

As Trump prepares for his second term, his focus on reversing Biden-era policies, enforcing workplace discipline, and driving investment signals an administration intent on rapid, high-profile changes.

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