New York Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado has called on New York City Mayor Eric Adams to step down over his ties to President Donald Trump. The demand comes as controversy over the dismissal of corruption charges against Adams and political interference in the Justice Department grows.
Newsweek has reached out to Mayor Eric Adams’ office for comment on the matter.
Why It Matters
The demand for Adams’ resignation shows growing political pressure on the embattled mayor and reflects widespread divisions about Trump’s administration’s impact on city government. Delgado’s plea adds to the calls for greater accountability and transparency as the controversy from the case continues to rage.
What To Know
In a tweet, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado said, “New York City deserves a Mayor accountable to the people, not beholden to the President. Mayor Adams should step down.”
Adams has faced criticism for ties to President Trump and accusations that political pressure compelled the Justice Department to drop corruption charges against him. The Justice Department’s move has sparked charges of interference, especially after three senior DOJ officials resigned on the issue.
Adams was accused of accepting bribes from Turkish representatives but had the charges dismissed by a ruling from acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove. Adams has insisted he did nothing wrong, claiming the charges were filed due to his criticism of the policies of former President Joe Biden.
Sassoon resigned just hours after being told by the DOJ to drop charges against Adams. In a two-sentence resignation letter to Deputy Chief Eric Krause released to The Associated Press, she proudly referred to serving the U.S. and her service as a prosecutor for justice. Sassoon resigned just a week after Bove’s controversial DOJ order.
The mayor stands trial on charges of campaign corruption and misconduct while Brooklyn borough president. Charges brought in September 2024 include illegal donations to his campaigns, foreign funds, and misuse of his office for personal benefit. Coercion of city agencies, defrauding public matching funds of millions, and other such charges have been made. The case was dismissed by the DOJ on charges of interference with Adams’ entry into Trump’s immigration agenda. This raised questions about political motivations, not legal justification. Adams has dismissed the charges as political, though critics say he was seeking Trump’s mercy for favors or a pardon.
New York City deserves a Mayor accountable to the people, not beholden to the President. Mayor Adams should step down.
— Antonio Delgado (@DelgadoforNY) February 14, 2025
What People Are Saying
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in a tweet: “Mayor Adams is putting the City of New York and its people at risk in exchange for escaping charges. As long as Trump wields this leverage over Adams, the city is endangered. We cannot be governed under coercion. If Adams won’t resign, he must be removed.”
What Happens Next
More pressure is mounting for Adams to talk or resign. The case may lead to increased calls for answers by state and local officials.
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