President-elect Donald Trump (Republican) said he would consider pardoning New York City Mayor Eric Adams (Democrat) amid an ongoing federal investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption in his campaign.
during monday press conference At Mar-a-Lago, a reporter asked President Trump if he would consider pardoning Adams.
“We have reason to believe that the Adams campaign has violated the law and acted detrimental to the matching funds program.”
President Trump responded, “Yes, he would. I think he was treated very unfairly.”
He said he first needs to look into the details of Adams' case before granting a pardon.
Trump added, “I don't know the facts, so I guess we'll have to look.”
The president-elect speculated that Adams was being investigated because he voiced opposition to the Biden administration's border policies, which have led to an unprecedented and out-of-control immigration crisis.
“He basically opposed what was going on in terms of immigration, and he made some pretty strong statements like, 'This is not sustainable.'” I said, “He's going to be indicted soon, right? ” he said. And I didn't say it as a prediction, I said it a little bit lightheartedly, but I said it,” Trump continued. “And a few months later, he was indicted.”
Adams also said he believed he was targeted for his comments about the 200,000 foreigners who flocked to the city under the Biden administration.
The mayor was indicted in September and is scheduled to go to trial in April. He is accused of receiving travel allowances from Turkish authorities.
Mr. Adams denies the charges.
“I haven't seen the gravity of it, but it feels like it was an upgrade on the plane years ago,” Trump told reporters Monday about the charges against Adams.
In October, Trump said he and Adams were “persecuted” by the Biden administration's Justice Department.
Adams has faced backlash for his inconsistent stance on the immigration crisis, particularly the city's sanctuary policy. Since the mayor announced his intention to work with Trump and new border czar Tom Homan, critics have suggested he may be trying to gain the administration's support to secure a pardon. There is.
Last week, Mr. Adams met with Mr. Homan to discuss plans to remove criminal illegal aliens from New York City.
Mr. Adams' chief adviser, Ingrid Lewis Martin, resigned from her position on Sunday. Her lawyer, Arthur Aidala, maintained that he expects her to also be charged with criminal charges related to the current investigation.
Aidara said: Associated Press“We put the pieces of the puzzle together to make it look as scary as possible.”
“But we know the truth, and the truth is that Ingrid Lewis Martin never broke the law,” he added.
“I've been falsely accused of something, but I don't know what it is,” Lewis Martin said.
“And during my term, I have never received any gifts or money,” she said. “I do not accept gifts or money for my work or have any arrangements in advance for family or friends to give me gifts or money.''
Adams' office released a statement confirming Lewis Martin's retirement.
“Ingrid was not only a friend, confidant, and trusted advisor, but also a sister,” Adams said. “We've always talked about when this day would come and have been planning for it for a long time, but it's still hard knowing that Ingrid won't be next to me every day.”
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office declined to comment, according to the Associated Press.
On Monday, the New York City Campaign Finance Commission determined that Adams' re-election campaign: not qualified You can receive over $4 million in public matching funds.
CFB Chairman Frederick Schaefer explained that it is “not unusual” for multiple candidates to be ineligible for the initial benefit. He said those denied will have the opportunity to appeal.
“While the Board does not normally explain payment decisions publicly, we have determined that due to the unusual nature of the public rate situation, it is appropriate to be transparent with the public,” Schaefer said. said. “The board has determined that there is reason to believe that the Adams campaign has engaged in conduct that is detrimental to the matching funds program, in violation of campaign finance laws, board rules, and other laws.”
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