President-elect Donald Trump has floated the idea of pardoning New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who is currently under federal investigation for alleged campaign bribery and corruption. Trump’s remarks came during a Monday press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort, where he defended Adams, claiming the Democratic mayor is being unfairly targeted.
When asked if he would consider granting Adams a pardon, Trump responded affirmatively but cautiously.
“Yeah, I would. I think that he was treated pretty unfairly,” Trump said. He emphasized, however, that he would need to look into the details of the case before making a final decision. “I would have to see it because I don’t know the facts.”
Trump speculated that Adams’ legal troubles stem from his outspoken criticism of the Biden administration’s border policies, which have led to a migrant crisis in New York City. The city has faced significant strain due to the arrival of over 200,000 migrants since Biden took office.
“He essentially went against what was happening with the migrants coming in. And he made some pretty strong statements like, ‘This is not sustainable,’” Trump said. “I said, ‘You know what? He’ll be indicted soon.’ And I said it not as a prediction, a little bit lightheartedly, but I said it. And a few months later, he got indicted.”
Adams, who is facing federal charges related to alleged travel benefits received from Turkish officials, has denied any wrongdoing. His trial is set to begin in April.
The mayor has suggested he is being unfairly targeted for calling out the Biden administration’s handling of the immigration crisis. Adams has previously said that the city’s migrant influx has pushed resources to the brink, a situation he described as “unsustainable.”
Adams’ legal troubles include accusations that his campaign violated the city’s public matching funds program. On Monday, the New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) ruled that his re-election campaign would not receive $4 million in matching funds, citing evidence of misconduct.
CFB Chair Frederick Schaffer explained the unusual decision, stating, “The board has determined that there is reason to believe the Adams’ campaign has engaged in conduct detrimental to the matching funds program in violation of law, including the Campaign Finance Act and board rules.” Schaffer added that Adams’ campaign will have an opportunity to appeal.
Trump downplayed the allegations against Adams, dismissing the charges as minor and overblown.
“I haven’t seen the gravity of it all, but it seems like being upgraded on an airplane many years ago,” Trump said, referring to the travel benefits Adams allegedly received.
Adams has faced criticism for inconsistencies in his stance on immigration. While initially supportive of New York City’s sanctuary policies, the mayor has recently aligned himself with Trump’s incoming administration. Last week, Adams met with Trump’s newly appointed border czar, Tom Homan, to discuss plans for removing criminal illegal aliens from the city.
Critics argue that Adams’ cooperation with Trump may be an attempt to earn favor in hopes of securing a future pardon. The mayor’s chief adviser, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, has also been caught up in the federal investigation.
On Sunday, Lewis-Martin announced her resignation amid rumors of pending criminal charges. Her lawyer, Arthur Aidala, claimed she has been falsely accused.
“Pieces of puzzles are going to be put together to make it look as horrible as possible,” Aidala said. “But we know the truth, and the truth is Ingrid Lewis-Martin never broke the law.”
Lewis-Martin maintained her innocence, stating, “During my tenure, I have never taken any gifts, money, anything. I have not made any arrangements in advance to take any gifts or money, or to have any gifts or money given to a family member or friend in order for me to do my job.”
Adams issued a statement praising Lewis-Martin for her service. “Ingrid has not been just a friend, a confidant, and trusted adviser, but also a sister,” Adams said. “We’ve always talked about when this day would come, and while we’ve long planned for it, it is still hard to know that Ingrid won’t be right next door every day.”
Trump’s willingness to consider pardoning Adams highlights his strategy of taking aim at the Biden administration’s Department of Justice, which he claims is politically weaponized. Trump has previously described both himself and Adams as victims of persecution, pointing to their shared conflicts with the federal justice system.
Whether Trump’s remarks signal genuine support for Adams or serve as a political maneuver remains to be seen. However, the mayor’s ongoing legal troubles and Trump’s comments have further fueled the debate over the handling of corruption investigations and the migrant crisis.
For now, Adams remains defiant, denying any wrongdoing while navigating mounting legal challenges and political backlash. As his trial approaches, the possibility of a Trump pardon adds a new twist to an already high-stakes situation.
Complicated issue and the President hasn’t committed to any plan yet but suggests he will look at all of the details to determine what will be the best course of action to address a giant mess the damned to hell Demoncraps created and he has to be careful not to make things any worse in NYC for the American People which that bastard from hell Biden and his sidekick Witch KamaChameleon did a number on for four years!!!
I saw Adams as a rat for quite a while but I would be careful about how to fix this massive problem in NYC if I were in the President’s place and keeping a tight leash on Eric but getting a positive change agenda in place would be wise!