President-elect Donald Trump announced Monday during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago that he would consider pardoning New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who was indicted on federal corruption charges in September. The charges allege Adams exchanged favors for Turkey in return for campaign contributions, which were then used to obtain matching city campaign funds. The indictment also claims Adams received benefits, such as hotel upgrades, in connection to the arrangement.
Adams has vehemently denied the allegations, and many legal analysts have criticized the charges as weak, suggesting they may be politically motivated by an overzealous federal prosecutor’s office in New York. The case has drawn scrutiny for what some see as selective prosecution and a lack of substantive evidence.
When asked directly if he would consider pardoning Adams, Trump replied, “Yeah, I would.” He described the accusations against Adams as being related to “upgraded in an airplane many years ago,” adding, “I think everybody here has been upgraded.”
Trump suggested that Adams may be facing backlash for his recent criticism of President Joe Biden’s border policies, which have strained New York City’s resources due to an influx of illegal migrants. Adams’ willingness to break with the Democratic establishment on immigration has set him apart from many of his peers, making him a potential target for political retaliation.
Last week, Adams met with Trump’s pick for U.S. Customs and Border Protection chief, Tom Homan, signaling his openness to working with the incoming administration to address the migrant crisis. Trump noted this cooperation as a factor in his consideration of a pardon, framing Adams’ situation as an example of political persecution.
Trump’s statement comes shortly after President Joe Biden issued a controversial wave of clemency, pardoning his son Hunter Biden and granting clemency to 39 other individuals while commuting sentences for 1,499 more, including some convicted of serious offenses.
