"True patriotism means no one should derail us from our mission"

New York City Mayor Eric Adams appeared on The View Friday, addressing a range of pressing political issues, including the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, his ongoing federal case, and the challenges surrounding migrants in the city.

When asked about Kennedy’s controversial appointment, Adams, who has previously defended the nomination, downplayed concerns over Kennedy’s anti-vaccine stance. “If we love our country, then no one individual should take us away from our mission,” Adams said. “Let’s love the country, let’s love our cities, let’s get away from the rhetoric of the professionalism that we know. They’re going to look at his proposal and do a real analysis and make these decisions. It happens every day.”

Kennedy, a former presidential candidate and prominent anti-vaccine activist, has raised alarms among public health officials due to his stance on vaccinations. However, Adams expressed confidence in Kennedy’s ability to contribute constructively, noting that “executives will nominate and bring in those who they believe will bring their vision forward.”

The mayor also addressed broader public health concerns, including his own views on fluoride and food safety in the U.S. “We have a real problem with our food in this country,” Adams said. “And on issues like fluoride, I believe we should have it in the water based on what my experts are telling me.”

Turning to his own legal troubles, Adams declined to address questions regarding his federal corruption case, which stems from a September indictment for bribery and corruption. “I have a legal team. They’re going to manage that. My job is to do what I’ve done since Jan. 1, 2022: make sure crime goes down in the city, a record number of housing gets built in the city, and turn around our economy,” Adams said.

Adams also weighed in on President-elect Donald Trump’s recent decision to nominate former SEC chairman Jay Clayton to replace U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, who indicted Adams. While Adams did not delve into his case, he acknowledged his party’s challenges in recent elections. “We need to talk to everyday working-class people and we stopped doing that,” he said. “Part of the business of campaigning is getting your message out and being clear on your message.”

Finally, Adams touched on the issue of mass deportations, a key component of Trump’s campaign promises. While the mayor did not offer specifics on how his administration would respond, he emphasized the need for preparedness. “We must be prepared to address the issues as they come in front of us,” Adams said. “The operationalizing of the theories that people want to do is different from the actualization of it.”

As Adams navigates a complex political landscape, his appearance on The View offered a glimpse into his approach to public health, legal challenges, and the contentious issues of migration in New York City.