New York City mayor
What is happening with the corruption case against Mayor Eric Adams and how are people responding?
The Department of Justice has moved to dismiss corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams, which included allegations of free plane tickets, luxury hotel stays, and illegal campaign activities. This decision has sparked significant protests, with demonstrators gathering outside Governor Kathy Hochul's office demanding Adams' removal from office. The situation has escalated following the resignation of four of Adams' top deputies and seven DOJ prosecutors who quit in protest over the case dismissal. Governor Hochul has met with city leaders to discuss potential mayoral removal and has given her strongest indication yet that she might take action. Additionally, a federal judge has called for Adams' attorneys and DOJ prosecutors to appear in court to explain the request to dismiss the charges.
Watch clip answer (00:59m)
MSNBC
00:00 - 01:00
What specific actions demonstrate Mayor Eric Adams prioritizing federal interests over New Yorkers' interests?
According to NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, Mayor Adams has shown favoritism toward federal interests in two key instances. First, when Elon Musk took $80 million from the city's bank account, Adams was notably absent in defending New Yorkers' financial interests, only acting after Lander threatened legal action himself. Secondly, despite previously promising to uphold city laws limiting collaboration with ICE, Adams has now reversed position by agreeing to open an ICE center on Rikers Island that would allow for the deportation of individuals not yet convicted of any crime. Lander argues these actions demonstrate Adams prioritizing Trump administration policies over the needs of the New Yorkers who elected him.
Watch clip answer (00:50m)
MSNBC
06:41 - 07:32
Does Governor Hochul have the power to remove the mayor of New York City?
Yes, Governor Hochul possesses an extraordinary power to remove the mayor of New York City, though it has never been exercised in the more than 230-year history of New York state. This unprecedented authority has made Hochul understandably hesitant to use it. The governor has been reluctant to exercise this power because she feels it could be viewed as undemocratic to remove an elected official. As Mayor Eric Adams faces federal corruption charges, this historical constitutional power has come under scrutiny, creating a significant political dilemma for the governor.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)
CBS News
02:38 - 02:53
What are the quid pro quo allegations against Mayor Eric Adams?
The clip reveals serious allegations suggesting Mayor Eric Adams may have been involved in a quid pro quo arrangement, potentially negotiating leniency on immigration enforcement in exchange for dropping charges. These allegations are part of a corruption investigation involving bribery and lavish trips that has led to mounting pressure for Adams to resign. Despite the mayor repeatedly denying these accusations, the situation has escalated to the point where Governor Kathy Hochul is considering the unprecedented step of removing him from office. A key federal hearing by Judge Dale Ho will determine the fate of the corruption charges against Adams as the political implications continue to unfold ahead of an upcoming election.
Watch clip answer (00:03m)CBS News
01:53 - 01:57
What is happening in Mayor Eric Adams' corruption case and what's the next step?
Tomorrow at 2:00pm, Federal Judge Dale Ho will hold a hearing requiring both the Trump Department of Justice and Mayor Adams' team to explain why the corruption charges should be dropped. The DOJ recently issued a memo mandating dismissal of charges stemming from a November 2023 investigation that led to September 2024 charges of corruption and bribery. The case involves allegations that Adams received lavish trips to Istanbul and curried favor with the Turkish government, allowing them to build a consulate without proper permits. Despite these serious accusations, Adams has maintained his innocence while facing extraordinary legal challenges that have significant political implications.
Watch clip answer (01:06m)CBS News
00:23 - 01:30
What are the corruption allegations against NYC Mayor Eric Adams involving the Turkish government?
Mayor Eric Adams faces serious corruption and bribery charges stemming from an investigation that began in November 2023 when his cell phone was confiscated. The allegations claim Adams received lavish trips to Istanbul while improperly favoring the Turkish government, essentially currying favor with them. Specifically, Adams is accused of allowing the Turkish government to build a consulate in New York City without obtaining the proper permits. These charges, formally filed in September 2024, suggest Adams engaged in a quid pro quo arrangement, accepting personal benefits in exchange for bypassing normal regulatory procedures for the Turkish consulate project.
Watch clip answer (00:28m)CBS News
00:48 - 01:17