Democrats have expressed concern about the relationship between New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) and President Trump. The motives of Adams are being questioned, given the legal issues he faces.

Adams said that as mayor of America’s largest city, a relationship with Trump was important to him.

This news comes at a time when Adams, who faces reelection this November, is facing a trial for charges of bribery, amid rumors Trump may pardon him.

“The legal case of the Mayor hangs over all that he does, fair or unfair,” stated Democratic strategist Chris Coffey who co-managed Andrew Yang’s mayoral campaign in 2021.

Adams has faced questions for months about whether he would seek a pardon. Trump stirred speculation last month when he said he would consider pardoning Adams, arguing that he has been “treated pretty unfairly.”

Adams did not say directly if he would take a job. However, he told CNN that it was “not on my schedule” for the fall.

His public association with Trump and his unwillingness to criticize Trump like most Democrats has only fuelled the rumors.

The mayor said that he would like to speak with Trump and work on behalf of the people he represents.

Kayla Mamelak Altus is the press secretary for the Mayor. She said that the “partisan bickering”, between officials from the city and state, as well as the President, in Trump’s initial term, prevented New Yorkers from making progress.

She said that Mayor Adams had made it clear this would not happen under his watch. While the President and Mayor may not agree on every issue, Mayor Adams is focused on how we can improve New York City.

Kathy Hochul has expressed her willingness for Trump to work with her in any way she can.

Adams’s criminal case will begin in April. He could spend decades behind bars if convicted.

Adams denies any charges, including bribery or wire fraud.

Bill de Blasio, former mayor of New York City (D), told MSNBC Thursday that he believes that “being on Trump’s side” is an individual matter.

Jake Dilemani a Democratic strategist from New York argued that Adams’s argument about having a good relationship with the White House is “very fair.

According to the mayor, since the federal government has a large role in the policies of the city, there must be an open communication line with the president.

Dilemani stated that it may not be best for Adams to take this approach, given the uphill battle he will face in his reelection bid this year. Andrew Cuomo, a former governor of New York, is also in contention. Andrew Cuomo is expected to join the race soon.

Adams’ refusal to criticize Trump’s policies was questioned after he met Trump and attended his inauguration.

Adams was a vocal opponent of Biden’s immigration policies within his party.

He said, “You should try to collaborate and cooperate. I’m doing for this president what I did for Biden.”

Coffey said that Adams’s views on immigration and security weren’t “huge leaps” because he is more moderate. Coffey pointed out Adams’s refusal to publicly state when he disagreed with his predecessors, which was a departure from the norm.

Adams’ decision to interview controversial right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson, a figure who regularly spreads incorrect information on a variety of topics and is close to Trump, added to the speculation.

Coffey stated that the plan is designed to reach only one person. Coffey is trying to express that he believes he is being unfairly accused, and that the accusation has a political undertone. There is only one individual who can fix the problem.

Adams avoided harsh criticisms before the election. Adams did not take a stand on Trump pardoning most of those convicted for the Capitol Riots of January 2021. Democrats oppose this action.

“To point out the obvious difference between other Democrats’ positions towards Trump and Eric’s position, I would like to state that Eric is the only one currently under federal investigation.”

Both Trump and Adams accuse the Biden administration of political interference.

Adams told Carlson he believed the indictment to be punishment for complaining to the administration about immigration but refused to give details.

Adams referred to Biden’s explanation of his decision during the press conference pardoning family members.

Compare this with what Biden said about the politicization of his Justice Department. You will then see the system, and you must ask questions. This is what President Trump said.

Biden said: “I think that’s a topic we should all be thinking about.”

Biden pardoned members of his family on Monday, indicating that he feared Trump’s DOJ would pursue them for political reasons. In December, he pardoned his son Hunter and said that the charges had been brought because of political motives.

According to the consultant, if Adams was involved in the case, he expected him to be able to justify a pardon.

“I would say that if [Trump] didn’t at this point, I want a refund,” they said.