Staff Reports
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is gearing up for a friendly tête-à-tête with none other than Donald Trump in Florida. At first glance, one might think this is just a typical cross-party meet-and-greet during a transition. However, the timing could hardly be more dubious. After all, here’s a Democrat facing a plethora of federal corruption charges—nothing says bipartisanship quite like a juicy conversation with a former president who has the power to grant pardons.
The backdrop for this meeting is particularly compelling. Adams is not only waiting for his day in court set for April—where he faces accusations of accepting luxurious travel perks and foreign campaign cash—but he’s also navigating the murky waters of public scrutiny since people can’t help but wonder if he’s trying to save his own skin. A quick chat with Trump might even allow him to wiggle out of the charges if the former president decides to play the pardon card. Adams, for his part, has been careful to express his not guilty plea, suggesting he’s not ready to throw in the towel just yet.
Indicted Mayor Eric Adams to meet with Trump to ‘discuss New Yorkers’ priorities’https://t.co/ZePlx8Il1l pic.twitter.com/BjiZNibWqt
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) January 17, 2025
Critics of Adams have raised eyebrows about his intentions, pointing out that this move can’t exactly be chalked up to New York’s shared values. For a Democrat to cozy up to Donald Trump, especially in light of Trump’s own legal escapades, including his recent conviction for falsifying records, reeks of desperation rather than collaboration. In fact, it raises the question of what this meeting is supposed to be about—unity, or just good old self-preservation for Adams ahead of his looming trial.
While Adams plans to pitch his ideas to Trump about improving New Yorkers’ priorities, some have taken this pilgrimage to task. State Senator Zellnor Myrie, one of Adams’ potential rivals in the Democratic primary, can’t help but see through the smokescreen, alluding that perhaps this agenda is more about the mayor’s future than the city’s progress. Meanwhile, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander seems to be channeling his inner cynic by demanding Adams clarify his stance on potentially accepting a pardon, instead of focusing on the pressing issues at hand. After all, New Yorkers deserve a leader focused more on their needs than his legal entanglements.
Yet, amid all the noise, one fact remains: Adams and Trump surprisingly share some common ground when it comes to immigration issues. Adams has openly railed against the city’s limitations on collaboration with federal agencies, notably calling for a more aggressive deportation strategy for undocumented criminals. It’s almost as if Adams is trying to position himself as the “law-and-order” Democrat—perhaps an attempt to appeal to moderate voters or even a strategic olive branch to a future Trump administration.
If nothing else, this encounter is sure to provide plenty of fodder for political observers and voters alike. Whether it will lead to meaningful cooperation on pressing city matters, or merely serve as a cloak for Adams to evade his impending legal doom, remains to be seen. In the realm of New York politics, anything can happen, but one thing is certain: if Adams emerges from this meeting intact, it won’t be without some eye-rolling commentary from both sides of the political aisle.
