New York Mayor Eric Adams made headlines when he decided to skip his Martin Luther King Jr. Day schedule to attend Donald Trump's swearing-in on Capitol Hill in Washington. This move comes amidst Adams' upcoming federal corruption trial, which is set to begin in three months. Adams had recently met with Trump in Florida, where they reportedly did not discuss his legal case or the possibility of seeking a pardon from the incoming president.
Adams' office stated that the invitation to attend the inauguration arrived after midnight, prompting the last-minute decision to travel to Washington. Deputy Mayor for Communications, Fabian Levy, clarified that Adams accepted the invitation on behalf of New York City, emphasizing the importance of working with the new administration.
Despite Adams' efforts to portray a cooperative relationship with Trump, his decision to prioritize attending the inauguration over participating in MLK Day events in Manhattan and Brooklyn raised eyebrows among his political allies and opponents alike. State Sen. Zellnor Myrie, one of Adams' mayoral challengers, criticized the move, quoting Dr. King's message of prioritizing community service over personal interests.
On the day of the inauguration, Adams was seen posing for a picture with social media influencers Logan and Jake Paul at the Capitol Visitor Center, further fueling discussions about his alignment with high-profile figures.
