NEW YORK — Governor Kathy Hochul has opted not to swiftly remove New York City Mayor Eric Adams from his position. Instead, she plans to focus on enhancing oversight of City Hall amid scrutiny a bout his connections with the Trump administration.
On Thursday, Hochul is expected to share that she will not pursue immediate action against Adams, according to unnamed sources familiar with her strategy, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the information.
This decision follows her efforts this week to gather insights from various political figures in New York. Hochul met each of them individually at her office in Manhattan after concerns arose regarding Adams’ capacity for independent governance. These worries intensified when the Justice Department decided to withdraw his corruption case, enabling him to assist with the Republican president’s immigration policies.
Hochul, a centrist Democrat like Adams, has faced mounting questions regarding the future of his administration ever since he was indicted in September on charges of bribery and other offenses. Adams has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty and asserting during a court appearance on Wednesday that he has not engaged in criminal activity.
Despite the surrounding controversy, Hochul has been cautious about removing Adams from office, claiming that such an action would be undemocratic and would initiate a complicated legal process never before attempted against a sitting mayor.
The situation has recently become more complex, especially after the resignation of four of Adams’ senior aides on Monday. This prompted Hochul to express concerns about the long-term viability of Adams’ administration.
