Political Accountability
What actions is Governor Kathy Hochul considering regarding New York City Mayor Eric Adams?
Governor Kathy Hochul is considering potentially removing Mayor Eric Adams from his position amid a corruption scandal. She met with top political leaders on Tuesday to weigh this extraordinary measure as Adams faces serious allegations that have put his political future in jeopardy. The situation has escalated with both public outcry and some city officials calling for Adams to resign. This political turmoil comes as the mayor faces corruption allegations that have prompted consideration of formal intervention by the state's highest executive authority.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)
CBS News
00:00 - 00:16
What power does Governor Hochul have regarding Mayor Eric Adams amid his corruption scandal?
Governor Hochul possesses the extraordinary authority to remove Mayor Eric Adams from office, which is described as an unusual power in the context of his corruption scandal. She has the option to either ask for his resignation or directly remove him from his position. This represents a significant constitutional power vested in the New York Governor's office that could dramatically alter the political landscape of New York City. If exercised, this would be an unprecedented move in the state's history, highlighting the severity of the situation surrounding the mayor's legal troubles.
Watch clip answer (00:12m)CBS News
01:11 - 01:24
How extraordinary would it be if Governor Hochul removed Mayor Adams from office?
It would be an unprecedented action in New York's history. As reported by CBS News, Governor Hochul is considering potentially asking Adams to resign or even invoking her authority to remove him from office amid a corruption scandal involving alleged illegal campaign contributions. This potential removal would mark the first such occurrence in the state's more than 230-year history. The situation has become more complex after the Justice Department directed federal prosecutors to drop the case against Adams, arguing the investigation would affect his ability to govern.
Watch clip answer (00:32m)CBS News
00:38 - 01:10
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