NYC Mayor Eric Adams Claims the Democratic Party “Left” Him During Interview with Tucker Carlson
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed frustration with the Democratic Party during an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, which aired Tuesday. Adams stated that the party had “left” him and the working class behind, a sentiment he shared while discussing his political and legal struggles.
“The Party Left Me”
Adams responded to criticism that he no longer sounded like a Democrat, saying, “People often say, ‘You don’t sound like a Democrat. You seem to have left the party.’ No, the party left me, and it left working-class people.” He explained that his position had become increasingly disconnected from the Democratic Party, particularly as he spoke out against the surge of illegal immigration in New York City.
Throughout the interview, Adams tied his legal troubles—specifically, his September 2024 indictment on bribery and corruption charges—to his outspoken stance on the city’s migrant crisis. He argued that those who challenge the “norm” within the party, especially on issues like immigration, are often “demonized.”
Indictment Details
Adams faces charges of accepting bribes and illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources. The charges include receiving improper benefits, such as luxury international travel, from wealthy foreign businesspeople and at least one Turkish government official seeking to influence the mayor’s decisions.
Adams suggested that some individuals in the Justice Department, under the Biden administration, may have viewed him as “not a good Democrat” because of his criticism of the city’s immigration policies. According to the mayor, these policies have cost the city a staggering $6.5 billion in expenses for housing, food, and clothing for migrants.
Tensions with Biden’s Administration
During the interview, Adams shared his frustrations with President Joe Biden’s administration. He claimed that when he raised concerns over the influx of illegal immigrants in New York City, Biden’s team essentially urged him to “be a good Democrat” and downplayed the issue. One of Biden’s aides even told Adams, “This is like a gallstone, it’ll pass. It’ll hurt now, but it’ll pass.”
Adams’s remarks come amid the continued strain on the city’s resources due to the migrant surge and the escalating costs that have overwhelmed local services.
Meeting with Trump and Criticism of Public Appearances
The mayor’s relationship with the Biden administration has been further complicated by his recent actions, including a controversial meeting with former President Donald Trump in Florida. The meeting, which occurred just days before Trump’s second inauguration, was described by Adams as a “productive conversation” about New York City’s needs. Some speculated that the mayor was seeking a pardon from Trump regarding his corruption charges, something Trump has indicated he might consider.
Adams’s decision to skip Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in New York to attend Trump’s inauguration drew backlash from some local political figures. Brooklyn state Sen. Zellnor Myrie criticized the mayor, saying that New Yorkers “deserve a Mayor who puts our city’s wellbeing above his own exoneration.” New York City Comptroller Brad Lander also took to social media, urging Adams to focus on issues like public safety and cost of living, instead of his legal troubles.
In defense of his actions, Adams described attending the inauguration as participating in a “sacred American tradition.” He added that, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. advocated, “we must put partisan politics aside to do what’s best for our country.”
Looking Ahead: Reelection and Legal Trial
Adams, who is seeking reelection in June, faces an ongoing legal battle. His trial is set to begin in April, and it remains to be seen how his legal troubles will impact his political future.
Despite the turmoil, Adams has emphasized the importance of collaborating with the Trump administration to further the city’s interests and fight for the people of New York.
