New York Governor Kathy Hochul is contemplating the unprecedented step of removing Mayor Eric Adams from office, following a series of meetings with key political figures on Tuesday. The turmoil inside City Hall has raised questions about Mayor Adams' ability to independently govern the city, particularly after the Justice Department dropped his corruption case to assist in President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.
Gov. Hochul has the authority to remove Mayor Adams from office but has been hesitant, citing concerns about the undemocratic nature of such a move and the legal complexities it would entail. However, the recent resignations of four of Adams' top deputies have prompted Hochul to reconsider the situation.
The governor held meetings with influential Black leaders and top officials to discuss the mayor's future, including U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Rev. Al Sharpton, and U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks. Sharpton indicated that Hochul would wait for the outcome of a court hearing before making a decision.
If Gov. Hochul decides to take action, a complex legal procedure would be followed, potentially involving a 'committee on inability' comprising five local officials. While there is little consensus on the feasibility of this process, some officials have called for Mayor Adams to outline a contingency plan for running the city by Friday.
Mayor Adams' administration has been embroiled in controversy since the Justice Department dropped bribery charges against him, leading to resignations of career prosecutors and supervisors. The mayor has denied any wrongdoing and claimed he was being politically targeted for criticizing immigration policies.
Adams' close relationship with former President Donald Trump has also come under scrutiny, with allegations of favors for the Turkish government in exchange for campaign donations and overseas trips. The mayor's actions have sparked a political crisis, with calls for his resignation growing amidst ongoing legal proceedings.
