New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced she would not use her power to remove NYC Mayor Eric Adams despite his indictment on corruption charges. However, she proposed a new state inspector general to oversee the mayor’s office.
Adams, a Democrat, has faced growing calls to resign, especially after pledging to help President Trump deport undocumented immigrants while Trump’s Justice Department sought to dismiss his indictment. A federal judge in Manhattan is considering whether to drop the charges.
The state constitution allows Hochul to suspend or remove a mayor, but she said democratic elections should decide Adams’ fate. “I cannot deny the people the power to make this decision,” she said.
Adams, seeking reelection in November, maintains his innocence and refuses to step down. He pledged cooperation with Hochul, saying, “I look forward to continuing those conversations.”
Hochul and Adams have previously had a cooperative relationship, but she now argues new oversight is necessary to ensure leaders act in NYC’s best interest, free from legal agreements with Trump’s Justice Department.
Trump, convicted of 35 felonies in New York, has been accused by Hochul of trying to exert control over the state. Hochul’s oversight proposal requires approval from state lawmakers and the city council, where it may face opposition.
Adams, a former police captain, was indicted last September on five corruption charges, accused of accepting illegal foreign donations and luxury travel. He has pleaded not guilty and is seen courting Trump, who could pardon him.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi criticized the case, claiming it was politically motivated to obstruct immigration enforcement, prompting multiple DOJ resignations.
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