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Mayor Adams heads to Albania, with Albanian government footing some of the bill
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Oct 6, 2025
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Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Oct 6, 2025
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With only three months left in office, Mayor Eric Adams announced Monday he’s taking a trip to Albania – with lodging and ground transportation paid for by the Albanian government.
The four-day trip came at the invitation of the prime minister of Albania, Edi Rama, according to the mayor’s office. Adams is scheduled to depart late Monday and return on Thursday. He will fly on Lufthansa airlines and be accompanied by his NYPD security detail and senior adviser Gladys Miranda.
Adams’ office described the latest trip as a chance “to discuss new opportunities to boost economic activity and tourism to New York City.” He is set to meet with Rama as well as business executives.
The overseas outing comes just over a year after Adams was federally indicted on charges that he accepted illegal international travel perks from Turkish officials. Shortly before the mayor was set to go to trial, the Trump administration dropped the charges in part to allow Adams to assist with the federal immigration enforcement. A judge later said the dismissal of the case “smacks of a bargain.” Adams denied wrongdoing.
Adams – and his son Jordan Coleman – have shown an interest in the Balkan nation.
Coleman, who is an aspiring rapper, appeared in an Albanian music competition in 2022. Adams referenced that trip during an Albanian cultural event at Gracie Mansion in June.
“I'm so jealous of him, he went to Albania and participated in one of your concerts,” Adams said. “I can't wait until I get to Albania and enjoy the beautiful rivers and seas and mountains and all that you have to offer.”
Total hotel and transportation costs will cost under $300 a day, according to the mayor’s office.
Adams has had a penchant for travel abroad through much of his political career. As Brooklyn borough president, Adams reportedly traveled to China seven times. As mayor, he has traveled to Greece, Qatar, Israel and several countries in Latin America.
John Kaehny, who runs the good government group Reinvent Albany, criticized Adams’ decision to take a trip subsidized by a foreign government.
“It’s utterly obtuse,” Kaehny said. “Mayors of New York should not be allowed to accept any gifts from foreign governments.”
Kaehny said taxpayers should pay for a mayor’s trip “if it’s worthwhile.” But he saw little value in Adams’ visit to the Balkan nation. “Albania has extremely minimal economic ties to New York City,” he said. “It has no prospects of becoming an important economic partner.”
Adams dropped out of the mayoral race over a week ago amid dismal polling and fundraising challenges that included the denial of critical matching funds from the city’s campaign finance board.
Kayla Mamelak Altus, a spokesperson for Adams, said the mayor’s trip was consistent with city policies. She said the planning came together last week.
“It sounds random to the average ear,” she said, but added that it was “all in accordance” with the city’s guidelines.
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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]
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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