New York City mayor
How is Mayor Adams aligning with Trump's policies rather than serving the people of New York?
NYC Comptroller Brad Lander cites two key examples of Mayor Adams prioritizing Trump-aligned policies over New Yorkers' interests. First, when Elon Musk took $80 million of city funds, Adams was notably absent in defending New York's interests, requiring Lander's intervention to address the issue in court. Second, despite previously promising to limit ICE collaboration, Adams has reversed course and now supports opening an ICE center at Rikers Island where people not yet convicted of crimes could face deportation. These actions demonstrate how the mayor's policies increasingly align with Trump's agenda rather than serving the needs of the New York residents who elected him.
Watch clip answer (01:04m)
MSNBC
06:28 - 07:32
How does the 'Committee on Mayoral Inability' process work in New York City?
The Committee on Mayoral Inability process requires four out of five committee members to conclude the mayor is unable to perform their charter-assigned duties. If they agree, they sign a form that goes to the City Council, which has three weeks to consider it. Should two-thirds of council members concur that the mayor cannot fulfill their responsibilities, the mayor would be removed from office. This mechanism provides a constitutional pathway to address situations where a mayor's leadership is severely compromised, as in the current case where Mayor Adams faces challenges after multiple deputy mayors have resigned.
Watch clip answer (00:51m)
MSNBC
02:20 - 03:12
How is Mayor Eric Adams' legal trouble connected to national immigration policy?
Mayor Adams' legal case has gained national significance as it coincides with his increased cooperation with Trump's border policies. While facing corruption allegations in New York City, Adams met with Trump's border czar and announced collaboration on removing undocumented migrants, raising concerns about a potential quid pro quo arrangement. This intersection of local corruption issues and federal immigration policy makes Adams' situation particularly notable, especially given New York City's status as the most populous city in the country. The timing of these events suggests possible political motivations behind the mayor's shift in immigration stance while under legal scrutiny.
Watch clip answer (00:27m)MSNBC
01:04 - 01:31
What would happen if Mayor Eric Adams were to resign or be removed from office?
If Mayor Eric Adams resigns or is removed from office, the Public Advocate of New York City, Jumaani Williams, would become the interim mayor. As interim mayor, Williams could retain the four deputy mayors currently in place, allowing them to continue their roles in running the city's day-to-day operations. This transition plan would enable the city government to maintain continuity despite the leadership change, with the established administrative structure remaining intact. This is particularly relevant as the city has an upcoming election, providing a path for stable governance during what would otherwise be a potentially disruptive transition period.
Watch clip answer (00:22m)
MSNBC
05:28 - 05:51
What does NYC Comptroller Brad Lander think about Mayor Adams' situation with the Justice Department?
Lander believes that Mayor Adams was elected to represent New Yorkers, not to work for Donald Trump, which he sees as the core issue. According to Lander, the Justice Department is using the threat of removal to pressure Adams into serving their interests rather than those of New York City residents. He suggests that this political pressure became evident when Adams appeared on Fox and Friends with Holman, indicating a concerning shift in the mayor's priorities and allegiances away from his constituents and toward Trump-aligned interests.
Watch clip answer (00:18m)MSNBC
04:39 - 04:57
What process could be initiated if Mayor Adams fails to present a viable contingency plan for stabilizing his administration?
If Mayor Adams fails to present a clear contingency plan for managing the city and stabilizing his administration, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander has warned that he will convene a panel that could potentially remove the mayor from office. This represents an alternative to the governor's removal powers. The comptroller expressed that the priority is for the mayor to articulate how he can effectively govern New York City despite being already compromised by allegations and the resignation of key deputies. This panel represents a formal accountability mechanism that could be activated if the mayor cannot demonstrate his ability to maintain stable city governance.
Watch clip answer (00:31m)
MSNBC
02:03 - 02:35