NEW YORK — President-elect Donald Trump said Monday he would “look at” a pardon for embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who has been indicted on federal corruption charges.
“I mean, I’d have to see it because I don’t know the facts. So, I would certainly look at it,” Trump said. “I think he was treated pretty unfairly.”
Adams has pleaded not guilty to five charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national, and bribery. He’s accused of accepting travel benefits and illegal campaign contributions. You can read the full Adams indictment here.
Adams has pleaded not guilty to all the charges and has said he has no plans to resign and is seeking reelection. His trial is set to begin on April 21.
Adams ducked CBS News New York’s questions about whether he would accept a pardon, but insisted he was not guilty of the charges and pointed to Presidents Biden and also Trump also criticizing the work of the Justice Department.
“I did nothing wrong,” Adams said. “I should not have been charged, and I just think God has a way of showing the irony of life. You know? I’m just saying the same thing that President Biden said. President Biden stated that his Justice Department has been politicized. President Trump stated that.”
Adams won’t be getting campaign matching funds
Trump made the announcement the same day the New York City Campaign Finance Board announced it will not be giving matching funds to Adams for his reelection bid, a serious setback for his campaign.
“After thoroughly reviewing all available information, including the details of the indictment of Mayor Adams, the Board has determined that there is reason to believe that the Adams campaign has engaged in conduct detrimental to the matching funds program, in violation of law including the Campaign Finance Act and Board rules. His campaign also failed to provide documents and information requested by the Board. Accordingly, Mayor Adams’ campaign for reelection has failed to demonstrate eligibility for public funds payment at this time. Our priority remains achieving an equitable and transparent democracy that is accountable to all New Yorkers,” New York City Campaign Finance Board Chair Frederick Schaffer said.
“While today’s ruling by CFB to withhold matching funds at this time is disappointing, we will continue to work with the board to address any issues so that funds can be appropriately disbursed. The mayor’s campaign continues to have far more resources than his opponents’, and we are very confident we will have the support we need to spend the maximum amount allowable in the upcoming primary,” Adams’ 2025 campaign counsel Vito Patta said in a statement.
“Eric Adams’ unethical and potentially illegal campaign fundraising practices have led the NYC Campaign Finance Board (CFB) to deny him matching campaign funds for his re-election bid in 2025. New York’s public financing system works — we have some of the most robust campaign finance laws, and we’ve been a model for states and localities across the nation,” New York Working Families Party Co-Directors Jasmine Gripper and Ana María Archila said in a statement. “We are relieved to see the CFB’s decision to put public tax dollars to good use and prevent abuse of the system. It is time for New York City to elect a new mayor who can govern with integrity in service of New York City’s working families.”
Despite all that, the mayor said he will press on by outworking his rivals.
“There are always hurdles,” Adams said.
The mayor also attacked some in the media, insisting he doesn’t always get a fair shake, and added he won’t be afraid to take those people on.
Adams’ top aide abruptly resigns
These are just the latest developments in the investigation into Adams and his top aides, and come on the heels of Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Adams’ top advisor for years, abruptly announcing her resignation Sunday night. That announcement comes as prosecutors have reportedly presented evidence to a grand jury looking into corruption allegations against her.
During my tenure, I have never taken gifts, money, anything. I have not made any arrangements in the past for gifts or money,” Lewis-Martin said Monday.
Lewis-Martin’s resignation came a month before she was expected to retire.
Federal agents subpoenaed Lewis-Martin and seized her cellphone after she returned from a trip to Japan in September. They also searched her home in Brooklyn.
The Manhattan DA’s office has said it was looking into Lewis-Martin and four others reportedly involving the city’s leasing of commercial properties.
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