Mayor Eric Adams brushes off calls for resign, amid sccandal

Facing a recent poll indicating a significant portion of New Yorkers believe he should resign, Mayor Eric Adams remains defiant, insisting that the public will eventually understand the complexities of his situation.

“Let the process play out. Let New Yorkers see our response to this whole matter. And you know, it’s a natural reaction for people to feel that way without getting the full depth of what is taking place here,” Adams stated during a visit to Antioch Baptist Church in Brooklyn.

The mayor’s comments come just over a week after he made history as the first sitting mayor in modern city history to be indicted. Adams faces five criminal charges, including conspiracy, wire fraud, bribery, and soliciting illegal foreign donations. Prosecutors allege that he accepted gifts, flights, and hotel accommodations from Turkish officials in exchange for favors.

“I think New Yorkers, as in anytime you get one side of an issue, you have a tendency to look at that side of the issue. Now’s an opportunity as this plays out that they will see both sides of the issue,” he asserted, aiming to reassure the public during turbulent times for his administration.

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In an effort to rally support, Adams spent Friday attending religious services, leaning on his faith amid the mounting challenges. However, rumors of potential staff departures from City Hall have surfaced, with two top officials announcing their exits in recent days. Tim Pearson, senior adviser for public safety, and Schools Chancellor David Banks have both revealed their accelerated departures, further fueling speculation about instability within the administration.

Addressing these concerns, Adams remarked, “It’s about those who want to go on with their careers and do other things and those who remain and those who are coming in. That’s the combination you want, and that’s the combination we’re showing. We need stability and safety.”

Despite the controversies and ongoing federal investigations surrounding his administration, Adams expressed confidence in his remaining team. “What’s important to me is that those that are here, like my four deputy mayors, are able to carry out their portfolio, and that’s what they’re doing. They’ve done an amazing job thus far, and in my conversations with them, let’s keep doing what we’re doing,” he concluded.

As the situation develops, the mayor’s resilience will be put to the test, as both supporters and critics closely watch his next steps in leading New York City.