NEW YORK — Governor Kathy Hochul of New York stated on Monday that she is contemplating the possibility of removing Mayor Eric Adams from his position following the resignation of four of his senior deputies. This latest development comes as a result of the Justice Department’s actions regarding the ongoing corruption case against him.
Hochul, a member of the Democratic Party, announced her intention to hold a meeting with essential leaders on Tuesday in Manhattan to discuss the future direction of the situation. She expressed that the resignations, including that of First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer, raise significant concerns about the sustainability of Adams’ administration moving forward.
Adams, who is also a Democrat, has faced intensified scrutiny in light of the recent decision by federal prosecutors in Manhattan to drop his corruption case. This decision was related to a push for his cooperation in immigration enforcement efforts led by Republican President Donald Trump. Critics have raised alarms about Adams’ independence and capacity to effectively govern the city.
Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove indicated that the ongoing case had hindered Adams’ ability to focus on critical issues such as illegal immigration and violent crime, emphasizing the need for the mayor to concentrate on governance.
“I recognize the immense responsibility I hold as governor and the constitutional powers granted to this office,” Hochul noted in her statement. “Historically, these powers have never been employed to oust a duly elected mayor; removing a mayor elected by the public is a serious action that should not be taken lightly. Nonetheless, the reported conduct at City Hall over the past two weeks raises troubling concerns.”
The city’s charter outlines a judiciary-like approach for the governor to initiate the removal process, requiring her to present the mayor with the specific charges and allow him a chance to defend himself. However, the lack of historical precedent for such an action raises questions about the practicality of the process. Hochul highlighted that no sitting mayor has ever been removed in New York’s extensive history.
Earlier on the same day, Adams confirmed the departures of his key team members, including Torres-Springer, Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom, and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Chauncey Parker.
“While I am disheartened by their departure, I understand their choice given the current circumstances and wish them the best in their future endeavors,” stated Adams, who is preparing for several challengers in the upcoming Democratic primary. He reassured the public that the city would continue to progress as it does each day.
In a memo to agency leaders and staff, Torres-Springer, Joshi, and Williams-Isom explained that their decision to leave was influenced by “the extraordinary events of the last few weeks.” Although specific departure dates have not been provided, Adams stated that they would remain in their roles temporarily to facilitate a smooth transition.
Bove’s directive to withdraw the corruption case against Adams ignited significant backlash within the Justice Department and sparked controversy in New York’s political arena. This turmoil resulted in the resignations of seven federal prosecutors, including the acting U.S. attorney for Manhattan. Calls for Adams to resign have also emerged from fellow Democrats.
Following a week of tensions and resignations, Bove, alongside Justice Department officials from Washington, submitted paperwork to request that a Manhattan federal judge dismiss Adams’ case. The judge has not yet responded to the filing.
Adams, a former police captain, had previously pleaded not guilty to charges alleging that he accepted over $100,000 in illicit campaign contributions and extravagant travel benefits from foreign entities seeking to gain his influence while he was serving as Brooklyn borough president.
The Justice Department indicated its intent to dismiss the charges against Adams with the provision to potentially reinstate them later, a move that critics argue serves as a means to secure his compliance with Trump’s policy agenda. In his guidance to dismiss the case, Bove indicated that the incoming permanent U.S. attorney would conduct a review of the situation post-November elections.
Rev. Al Sharpton, who is an ally of Adams, expressed concerns about the situation, stating that it appears as though President Trump is using coercive tactics against the mayor. “Though I have stood by the mayor, he faces an unfair challenge that feels akin to political extortion,” Sharpton remarked.
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams has also joined in urging the mayor to step down, arguing that the recent resignations clearly demonstrate he has lost the confidence of his staff, government colleagues, and New Yorkers alike. To clarify, this speaker is not related to the mayor.
Additional local leaders, including Democratic Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nydia Velázquez, as well as Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado, have echoed the call for Adams’ resignation.
The turmoil surrounding Adams’ legal challenges unfolded alongside his meeting with Trump’s border official in New York as he unveiled plans for enhanced collaboration concerning Trump’s immigration policies, including the reinstatement of an immigration authorities office at Rikers Island jail.
In their message announcing their resignations, Torres-Springer, Joshi, and Williams-Isom remarked, “Given the extraordinary events of the last few weeks and our commitment to the oaths we made to New Yorkers and our families, we have reluctantly decided to vacate our positions.”