Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
On a difficult day for Mayor Adams, Trump says he'll consider a pardon
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Dec 16, 2024
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Dec 16, 2024
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
As Mayor Eric Adams faced announcements Monday that his campaign hadn’t qualified for matching funds and his close friend and adviser would likely be indicted, President-elect Donald Trump offered him more promising news: He would consider pardoning Adams, advancing the possibility that the Republican incoming president would help a Democratic mayor who he sees as similarly politically targeted.
“I think that he was treated pretty unfairly,” Trump said Monday at his first post-election press conference, during which he answered questions on far-ranging topics.
Trump said he did not know all the facts of the case, but said about the pardon, “I would certainly look at it.”
A possible alliance between Trump and Adams has become a hot topic in New York City political circles. In recent weeks, Adams has expressed a growing political simpatico with the MAGA Republican on issues of public safety, immigration and their hostility toward the press.
Adams has been accused of accepting bribes and illegal campaign donations from Turkish officials in a five-count federal indictment. He has pleaded not guilty. His trial is expected to begin in April.
At his weekly City Hall press conference, Adams largely avoided questions about the campaign finance ruling and a possible indictment of his former chief adviser, Ingrid Lewis-Martin. But asked about a presidential pardon, he said he would let his attorney “look at every avenue.”
“God has a way of showing the irony of life,” he added. “I'm just saying the same thing that President Biden said. President Biden stated his Justice Department has been politicized. President Trump stated that, and I’ve stated that.”
Trump has long framed legal cases against himself as the products of political vendettas, and Trump and Adams have both argued that federal prosecutors indicted the mayor in part because he criticized the Biden administration’s handling of an influx of migrants. Earlier this month, when Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, Biden also said that his son’s prosecution was driven by politics.
As president, Trump could elect to pardon Adams before or after his trial is concluded.
The mayor on Monday said he has not spoken to Trump since running into him last month at a Madison Square Garden boxing event. He also said he has not discussed receiving a pardon with Trump.
On Monday, Trump specifically questioned the allegation that Adams accepted illegal flight upgrades from Turkish officials.
“I know everybody here has been upgraded,” Trump said.
Federal prosecutors say the mayor accepted more than $100,000 in travel perks, including hotel stays.
Tagged
new york city
Adams investigations
Politics
eric adams
Elizabeth Kim
Elizabeth Kim is a reporter on the People and Power desk who covers mayoral power. She previously covered the pandemic, housing, redevelopment and public spaces. A native of Queens, she speaks fluent Mandarin. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Mamdani names re-entry specialist as chair of Rikers oversight board
Christopher Watler will help the department that a federal monitor says remains in crisis.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 6, 2026
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
News
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
Legionella found in Staten Island building's water system after 2 positive cases
By
Catalina Gonella
Legal 'loophole' helps NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman raise millions
By
Jon Campbell
Police identify 2 men wanted for stabbing an off-duty NYPD officer
By
Ben Feuerherd
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .