NYC politics
What is Governor Kathy Hochul considering doing regarding Mayor Eric Adams amid growing pressure?
Governor Hochul is considering removing New York City Mayor Eric Adams from office amid mounting public pressure. This consideration follows a protest resignation by an official who alleged a quid pro quo situation, alongside growing calls for Adams to resign due to serious corruption allegations involving illegal campaign contributions. Late the previous night, Hochul issued a statement confirming she is examining this unprecedented option in response to the political crisis. The situation has created significant momentum against Adams, putting substantial pressure on the Governor to take action as the controversy continues to unfold.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)
CBS News
01:48 - 02:04
What are the accusations against NYC Mayor Eric Adams regarding campaign contributions?
Eric Adams faces serious accusations that when he was Brooklyn borough president, he accepted over $100,000 in illegal campaign contributions in exchange for his influence. Additionally, he's accused of accepting illegal contributions to his 2021 mayoral campaign from foreign sources and planning to solicit more illegal contributions for his next election. These allegations suggest a pattern of corruption involving both his time as borough president and during his successful run for mayor. Despite the gravity of these charges, Adams has officially pleaded not guilty to all accusations, as he continues to face mounting political pressure and scrutiny.
Watch clip answer (00:21m)CBS News
00:16 - 00:38
What allegation did Danielle Sassoon make regarding Mayor Eric Adams and his attorneys?
Danielle Sassoon alleged a quid pro quo arrangement during an in-person meeting between Adams' attorneys and Department of Justice officials. According to her account, the mayor's representatives offered to help enforce immigration crackdowns in New York City (despite its sanctuary city status) if the DOJ would make the corruption case against Adams disappear. This allegation goes to "the heart of the matter" and was significant enough that Sassoon resigned last week. She perceived this as an inappropriate attempt to trade policy changes for legal leniency, which raised serious ethical concerns about the mayor's administration.
Watch clip answer (00:40m)
CBS News
03:49 - 04:29
What unprecedented power does Governor Hochul have regarding Mayor Adams?
Governor Hochul possesses the extraordinary authority to potentially ask Mayor Adams to resign or even remove him from office directly amid corruption allegations. This power is unprecedented in New York State's more than 230-year history, making it a remarkable constitutional authority that has never been exercised before. The situation has created significant political tension as the governor weighs this dramatic option while facing pressure from the public and city officials calling for Adams to step down.
Watch clip answer (00:18m)
CBS News
00:52 - 01:10
Will the DOJ case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams be reopened after the November election?
According to the DOJ memo discussed in the clip, the case against Mayor Adams could be revisited after the November election. The Department of Justice's extraordinary memo opened the door for this possibility, essentially putting the investigation on hold temporarily rather than dismissing it permanently. The DOJ indicated they would 'wait till after the November election and then we'll see.' This strategic timing appears connected to concerns about interfering with the mayor's ability to enact the president's agenda, though Adams faces significant political pressure with numerous calls for his resignation amid corruption accusations.
Watch clip answer (00:37m)CBS News
03:11 - 03:48
What power does Governor Hochul have regarding Mayor Eric Adams amid the corruption allegations?
Governor Hochul possesses the extraordinary and unusual power to remove Mayor Adams from office amid corruption allegations. This authority allows her to potentially ask for his resignation or directly remove him, though she is not taking this decision lightly. The situation has intensified following a Department of Justice memo and the resignation of Acting U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon in protest, claiming a potential quid pro quo. With mounting public pressure and calls for Adams to resign, Governor Hochul has issued a statement confirming she is actively considering her options regarding this unprecedented situation.
Watch clip answer (00:53m)CBS News
01:11 - 02:04