© Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY
(New York, NY) — President-Elect Donald Trump says he’d consider pardoning New York City Mayor Eric Adams who is facing federal corruption charges. Trump told reporters at a Mar-a-Lago press conference that he believes Mayor Adams was treated “pretty unfairly” and downplayed Adams’ travel upgrades that have been detailed in a federal indictment. Trump added that he predicted Mayor Adams would be indicted after his strong statements about the migrants coming into New York City.
Adams is accused of accepting at least 100-thousand dollars in travel benefits in a federal indictment that includes charges of wire fraud and bribery. It’s all reportedly connected to his alleged contributions to his 20-21 mayoral campaign from a Turkish government official seeking to gain influence over him. He’s pleaded not guilty and continues to maintain his innocence.
Adams didn’t say whether he’d accept a Trump pardon during news conference Monday (Dec. 16, 2024) afternoon at City Hall. Instead, he deferred to his lawyer, saying he’ll follow his direction. Adams emphasized, as he has in the past, that he’s done nothing wrong and shouldn’t be charged. But Adams, who considers himself religious, said, “I just think God has a way of showing the irony of life.” When asked whether he and Trump have discussed a potential pardon, the Mayor said the only conversation they’ve had was on the state of New York City, which Adams said they both love.
