Governor Hochul
Why might Governor Hochul be considering removing Mayor Adams instead of letting voters decide his fate?
Initially, Governor Hochul appeared to favor letting voters determine Mayor Adams' political future amid his legal troubles. However, she has recently changed her position on the matter. As of last night, she indicated that she is now considering using her gubernatorial authority to remove him from office. This shift suggests growing pressure on the administration as corruption allegations mount against the NYC Mayor, potentially reflecting concerns that waiting for an electoral process might not adequately address the immediate governance challenges facing New York City.
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CBS News
03:00 - 03:06
What extraordinary action did the Department of Justice take regarding Mayor Eric Adams and how did it impact the prosecution team?
Last week, the Department of Justice issued an extraordinary memo mandating that charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams be dropped. This unusual intervention prompted a Trump-appointed Southern District prosecutor to resign in protest, despite not being an ally of Adams, because she felt the situation represented an unjust quid pro quo arrangement. The prosecutor's resignation is particularly notable as she was described as not being a 'resistance person' or politically opposed to the administration, suggesting her ethical concerns about the DOJ's directive transcended political affiliations. She considered the intervention so unjust that she could not continue in her position.
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CBS News
01:21 - 01:53
Does the Governor of New York have the power to remove the Mayor of New York City?
Yes, the Governor of New York possesses this extraordinary power, though it has never been used in the state's 230-year history. Governor Hochul has been reluctant to use it, considering it potentially undemocratic since voters elected Adams. Initially, she preferred letting voters decide in the upcoming November election when Adams is up for reelection. However, she recently changed her position and is now actively considering removal, holding meetings with top Democratic leaders. Her decision may depend on the outcome of a pivotal federal hearing scheduled for the following day.
Watch clip answer (00:50m)CBS News
02:33 - 03:23
What is the likelihood of Governor Kathy Hochul removing Mayor Eric Adams from office, and has this happened before?
This would be unprecedented as such a removal has never occurred before. Under the New York Constitution, Governor Hochul does have the legal right to remove the mayor. There was one similar instance during Franklin Roosevelt's time when he considered removing a mayor facing corruption charges, but that mayor resigned instead. Currently, multiple factors complicate the situation: the city comptroller is threatening to initiate proceedings and has requested Adams provide a plan for governing amid resignations and protests. The decision remains significant as it would break decades of precedent in New York politics.
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CBS News
01:58 - 02:59
What developments are expected in Eric Adams' criminal case?
A federal judge is about to rule on New York City Mayor Eric Adams' criminal case. Both Adams and the government have requested dismissal, following President Trump's appointment of Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove who pushed for case dismissal. The hearing focuses on the Justice Department's rationale for dropping the case. Meanwhile, public protests continue and Governor Kathy Hochul is considering potential removal of Adams from office. CBS News anticipates further developments throughout the day on this evolving situation that could significantly impact New York City's political landscape.
Watch clip answer (00:06m)CBS News
03:00 - 03:06
What powers does New York Governor Kathy Hochul have regarding the potential removal of Mayor Eric Adams?
Under the New York Constitution, Governor Hochul has the legal right to remove Mayor Adams, though this would be unprecedented. While Franklin Roosevelt once attempted to remove a mayor due to corruption charges, that mayor ultimately resigned before removal proceedings were completed. This power has never been exercised to completion in New York's history. The city comptroller is also threatening to initiate separate proceedings, having asked Adams to provide a plan for how he can effectively govern given the current challenges, including ongoing protests and multiple resignations from his administration.
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CBS News
01:58 - 02:59