Mayor Adams defends policies, faces tough questions in interview

File Source: Yahoo

New York City Mayor Eric Adams appeared on Good Day New York Tuesday morning, facing pointed questions on issues ranging from the closure of the Roosevelt Hotel migrant intake center to his controversial remarks about Black critics.

The interview, conducted by hosts Rosanna Scotto and Curt Menefee, touched on the city’s handling of the migrant crisis, Adams’ reelection bid, and ongoing legal challenges.

Adams called the Roosevelt Hotel closure a “major milestone,” citing a significant drop in new migrant arrivals compared to the peak of 16,000 per month. However, Scotto pressed him on backlash from Bronx residents regarding the opening of a new migrant shelter for over 2,000 single men. “Actually, we closed 53 shelters in a year,” Adams countered. “Show me one who raised their hand and said, ‘Bring it here.’” He defended his administration’s approach, emphasizing that 70 percent of the 230,000 migrants who passed through the city’s care had moved on.

The conversation shifted to a proposed federal policy under President Trump requiring an online registry of undocumented immigrants. Asked if he would cooperate, Adams was careful in his response. “We do not collaborate based on city law with any form of deportation strategy because of civil enforcement,” he said. He confirmed his legal team would review the order to ensure compliance with federal and city laws.

Menefee then confronted Adams about his remarks at a Black History Month event at Gracie Mansion, where he said, “All these Negroes who were asking me to step down, God forgive them.” When asked if he was implying that Black people must support him, Adams denied it. “I’m asking for all New Yorkers to support me,” he said. Pressed on whom he was specifically referring to, he responded, “Those who have called for me to allow my flame to prematurely be extinguished.”

Menefee continued to challenge Adams on his repeated use of the term “Negro” and whether he believed Black critics needed divine intervention. “I didn’t say you need help from God. I said, ‘Pray for them,’” Adams clarified. He then turned the focus to what he saw as an attack on democracy. “Why are we trying to disrupt and take the power away from the people who elected me? I have not been convicted of a crime. I’ve moved the city forward.”

As the conversation moved to polling numbers, Menefee pointed out that Adams had only 10 percent support among Democrats in a recent survey, trailing Andrew Cuomo, who has not even declared his candidacy, at 38 percent. Adams dismissed the numbers, recalling that he was similarly behind in the early months of his 2021 mayoral campaign. “No one running for mayor right now has ever won a mayoral race but Eric Adams,” he said.

On endorsements, Scotto asked Adams about Congressman Ritchie Torres backing Cuomo. Adams brushed it off. “There was another Andrew in the race in 2021. He supported that Andrew as well. I think he has a special appeal for Andrews,” he joked, before adding, “Adams is going to be the mayor.”

Turning to Adams’ legal troubles, Scotto brought up filings from his attorney, Alex Spiro, who has argued for the dismissal of charges against him due to leaked prosecutorial letters. “I have a great deal of confidence in my legal team,” Adams said. “The former president, President Biden, stated that his Justice Department was weaponized. President Trump stated it was weaponized. I stated it was weaponized.” He insisted his administration was being unfairly targeted for standing up for New Yorkers.

Menefee then asked about the resignations of four deputy mayors and whether City Hall could function amid the departures. Adams insisted the administration was still delivering results. “Crime continues to decrease. More jobs in the city’s history. We broke another record. It is functioning every day,” he said. He added that there was no shortage of candidates to fill the vacancies, with “at least two to three candidates” lined up for each position.

Scotto pressed Adams on congestion pricing, pointing out that while it had reduced traffic, some business owners claimed it was also hurting sales. Adams said the administration was still analyzing the data. “We’ll make a determination if it’s a W or an L,” he said, adding that Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi’s team was conducting an economic impact review.

As the interview wrapped up, Scotto asked Adams how he planned to stay composed during an upcoming debate. “Everybody tries to get under my skin. That’s what’s called being mayor,” Adams said, unfazed.

Despite facing mounting political and legal challenges, Adams struck a defiant tone throughout the interview, maintaining that he had no intention of backing down from the job or the race ahead.