Some believe that New York City Mayor Eric Adams should resign following a recent federal corruption indictment.
Recent polls revealed that two-thirds (or 67%) of New Yorkers think he should resign as mayor. This seems to indicate the impact of the allegations against the mayor for accepting bribes in exchange for political favors from Turkish businessmen.
Marist’s poll found that 69 percent of New Yorkers believe Adams should step down, and 65 percent believe he has broken the law. The poll was taken shortly after Adams was charged with wire fraud and bribery.
Adams maintained his innocence during a public appearance and spoke about the poll results. “They only saw one side, so it’s no surprise they feel that way,” Adams said. “We are going to hear both sides, and I look forward to sharing that with New Yorkers.”
His approval rating, which was 37 percent before, has dropped to just 26 percent. A poll showed that 63 percent of New Yorkers believed Gov. Kathy Hochul must begin the removal process if Adams does not voluntarily step down.
Allegations have sparked rifts in New York’s black community of politicians, who had been Adams’ strongest supporters. The Associated Press has highlighted the impact of the indictment on black leaders.
Rev. Al Sharpton is a close friend of the Mayor and he warned residents against making snap decisions, telling them to wait until the facts are known. He said that we shouldn’t be rushing to judge and accuse everyone.
Other black leaders have been harsher on the mayor, including former Assemblymember Michael Blake. He said that Adams’ situation was “not the standard” and that many elected officials felt that the current situation was “chaotic and insurmountable.”
Adams’ supporters, on the other hand, argue that Adams deserves to be presumed innocent.
Adams may face even more legal issues. ABC News reported that prosecutors said during a Wednesday court hearing that more charges and defendants may be brought as the investigation progresses. Hagan Scotten, the prosecutor in this case, noted that Adams was not elected until 2021. He claimed that the evidence showed that he attempted to “create an illusion” that certain flights were paid for when they weren’t. Scotten accused Adams of witness manipulation, citing “a significant instance of witness interference” in this case.
Adams remains defiant and vows to fight the charges. He insists that he will remain as mayor. Alex Spiro slammed the prosecution’s case. He said, “This is what prosecutors say when there’s no real case.”
The legal battle of Mayor Adams is not over. The future of Mayor Adams’ administration is uncertain as public opinion has turned against him. New Yorkers are waiting to see what happens next in this ongoing story.
