NEW YORK (AP) — New York City’s Democratic mayor, who is currently facing federal bribery charges, is standing by his recent private meeting with President-elect Donald Trump as the Republican gears up to assume office on Monday. Mayor Eric Adams, in response to inquiries about his legal troubles and the potential for a presidential pardon, asserted that his legal team is handling the case and that his discussion with Trump primarily focused on city infrastructure, asylum-seeker issues, and Middle East crisis resolution.
“I made it clear earlier that I wanted to meet with the president to discuss matters concerning our city,” Adams stated. “I am the mayor of the largest city in America. It is my responsibility to engage with the president, just as I have with President Biden.”
Following a weekend snowstorm update, Adams emphasized that his interaction with Trump centered on topics such as revitalizing manufacturing jobs in the city and brokering the Gaza ceasefire agreement. In a statement released Friday, Adams clarified that the legal case against him was not a point of discussion during the meeting, with the focus instead directed towards pertinent city affairs.
Trump has publicly criticized the charges brought against Adams and expressed willingness to potentially grant him a pardon. Adams, previously a registered Republican in the 1990s, is slated to face trial in April on allegations of accepting improper gifts and campaign contributions from foreign individuals in exchange for political favors, including facilitating approvals for a diplomatic building project in Manhattan involving Turkish officials.
Insisting that he does not wish to engage in hostilities with the Trump administration on immigration and other critical matters, Adams underscored the importance of respecting the rule of law. He refrained from elaborating on the involvement of city agencies in potential immigration enforcement actions, including anticipated deportation initiatives and raids in the Chicago area.
Addressing critiques of his own party and the outgoing Biden administration’s response to the influx of asylum seekers, Adams highlighted the significant financial burden on the city and its residents. He lamented the diversion of funds away from essential services and security towards accommodating the hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers who have sought refuge in New York City since 2022.
Regarding his encounter with Trump, Adams emphasized his commitment to advocating for the city’s interests and securing the resources it requires. Citing Trump’s roots in New York City, Adams expressed optimism about the future partnership between the city and the incoming administration.
“I am eager to work with a president who shares my love for this city,” Adams remarked. “Together, we will strive to propel the city forward for the benefit of all New Yorkers.”
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