NEW YORK – Mayor Eric Adams of New York City is planning to meet with Donald Trump in Florida on Friday, signaling a friendly approach to the president-elect from a Democratic leader who is currently facing federal corruption charges.
According to Fabien Levy, a spokesperson for the mayor, the discussion aims to address the priorities of New Yorkers. In a brief statement, Levy mentioned that the mayor anticipates a fruitful dialogue with the incoming president regarding how both the city and the nation can progress.
Adams departed for Florida on Thursday, as indicated by his public schedule. Such meetings aimed at building unity or mending fences are common during presidential transitions. However, Adams’ outreach to Trump has drawn criticism from opponents who perceive it as a move for self-preservation.
Currently, Adams is set to stand trial in April for allegedly accepting luxurious travel benefits and improper campaign donations from foreign individuals in exchange for corrupt actions. With Trump as president, there exists the possibility he could grant a pardon to Adams or exert influence on the Justice Department to dismiss the charges. Adams, who has pleaded not guilty to the allegations, has shown a willingness to consider a pardon.
Even prior to the election, Adams expressed a readiness to collaborate with Trump, emphasizing the necessity for cooperation between the federal government and the city despite political differences. Trump, in turn, has shown support for Adams, especially following the indictment, suggesting that the legal issues might stem from Adams’ critiques of President Joe Biden’s immigration stance.
Last year, Trump was found guilty in a separate case related to falsifying business records in a New York state court, although a judge opted against imposing a sentence, citing constitutional challenges.
Adams’ forthcoming meeting has prompted backlash from potential opponents in the upcoming Democratic primary for mayor. State Senator Zellnor Myrie expressed his disapproval on social media, questioning the compatibility of the Trump agenda with the interests of the city and its residents, stating that the meeting seems to have ulterior motives.
Similarly, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, also a mayoral candidate, urged Adams to clarify that he would neither seek nor accept a pardon from Trump, reinforcing that New Yorkers deserve assurances that their interests are prioritized over personal concerns and questioning if public funds or Turkish Airlines would be used for his trip to Florida.
Politically, Adams and Trump share some common views on immigration, as Adams has advocated for heightened deportation of immigrants with criminal allegations. Last December, he held a meeting with Tom Homan, who will take on Trump’s role as the “Border Czar.” Adams has consistently criticized city policies that restrict collaboration between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
