President-elect Donald Trump announced Monday during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago that he would consider pardoning New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who is currently under federal investigation. The remarks come as Adams faces charges of bribery, wire fraud, and corruption, which he has vehemently denied.
Reporter: "Would you consider pardoning Eric Adams?"
— Resist Times (@resistupdates) December 16, 2024
Trump: "Yeah, I would. Yeah. I think that he was treated pretty unfairly."pic.twitter.com/eRAzQENjZh
When asked by a reporter if he would consider granting a pardon to the embattled mayor, Trump responded cautiously, stating that he would need to thoroughly examine the facts of Adams’ case before making any decisions.
“I’d have to see, because I don’t know all the facts,” Trump said. However, he expressed skepticism about the timing of the charges, suggesting that Adams may be facing retaliation for his public criticism of the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of the immigration crisis.
Trump added, “It’s very interesting, when he essentially went against what was happening with the migrants coming in.” The president-elect suggested that Adams’ indictment was politically motivated, saying, “I think he’s being treated very unfairly.”
Adams was indicted in September on multiple federal charges, including bribery, wire fraud, and corruption. Prosecutors allege that Adams engaged in a scheme to receive improper benefits from foreign officials in exchange for political favors.
The indictment specifically accuses Adams of accepting favors from a senior official within the Turkish diplomatic establishment.
The charges claim that Adams and his associates benefited from discounted or free travel on Turkey’s national airline, facilitated by the same individuals who funneled illegal donations into his campaigns.
The document also alleges that Adams knowingly accepted these improper benefits and failed to disclose them, violating federal campaign finance laws and ethical standards.
The indictment came on the heels of Adams’ growing tensions with the Biden-Harris administration over the influx of migrants into New York City.
As mayor of one of the country’s largest sanctuary cities, Adams initially welcomed migrants but later expressed concerns about the city’s capacity to handle the surge.
Adams publicly criticized the federal government’s response, calling for additional resources and a more coordinated effort to address the crisis.
Trump speculated that Adams’ outspoken stance may have played a role in his legal troubles, suggesting, “When he started speaking out about the migrant situation, the indictments followed shortly after.”
The allegations against Adams have also extended to his inner circle. Federal agents seized electronic devices from several high-ranking officials in Adams’ administration as part of the investigation.
While Adams has denied any wrongdoing, the ongoing probe has cast a shadow over his mayoral tenure.
Trump’s willingness to consider a pardon aligns with his broader critique of what he views as politically motivated investigations under the Biden administration.
The president-elect has repeatedly called for reforms to the Department of Justice, claiming that federal agencies have been weaponized against political opponents and dissenters.
“If you look at how this administration operates, anyone who doesn’t toe the line becomes a target,” Trump said, referencing Adams’ public disputes with the White House.
Trump’s comments could signal his intent to align with Adams on the politically charged issue of immigration, a topic that both leaders have used to critique the current administration. While Trump’s stance may garner support from Adams’ defenders, it also risks backlash from critics who argue that the charges against Adams are serious and should not be dismissed as politically motivated.
As Adams continues to fight the charges, the case underscores the growing tensions between federal authorities and local leaders over contentious political issues like immigration and governance. Whether Trump ultimately decides to issue a pardon will likely depend on the developments in Adams’ legal battle and the broader political landscape as Trump prepares to take office.