Governor Hochul declines to remove Mayor Adams from office

In a move that signals a shift in New York City’s political landscape, Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans to curtail Mayor Eric Adams’ authority rather than remove him from office. Following a series of controversies surrounding Adams, Hochul proposed legislation to tighten oversight of the mayor’s office while acknowledging that she could not override the will of voters.

The decision comes as Adams faces a federal corruption case set for trial in April. The mayor was indicted last year on bribery charges, accused of accepting gifts worth over $100,000 from Turkish citizens in exchange for official favors. Adams, who has pleaded not guilty, denied any wrongdoing and claimed there was no legal basis for his removal.

Speaking on Thursday, Hochul unveiled a series of measures to increase transparency and accountability within city government. These include creating a new inspector general for New York City, bolstering resources for state officials to challenge federal directives, and expanding the state comptroller’s oversight capabilities. While these steps require approval from the City Council and state legislature, Hochul emphasized that the changes would ensure leaders act in the city’s best interests.

Adams responded in a statement that he was willing to collaborate with the governor, despite asserting there was no legal foundation for restricting his authority. “I am committed to working with the governor to maintain public trust in our government,” he said.

The announcement comes as Adams awaits a judge’s decision on the corruption case against him. The case has been mired in controversy, including allegations of political interference from the Trump administration. Last year, the Justice Department moved to drop the case, a decision that prompted a public resignation from then-top federal prosecutor Danielle Sassoon. In a letter to the U.S. Attorney General, Sassoon alleged that the Justice Department had reached a deal with Adams’ attorneys to secure the mayor’s cooperation on immigration enforcement in exchange for dropping the charges.

Adams, through his attorney Alex Spiro, denied any such arrangement. Spiro argued that the case should be dismissed because Adams lost his security clearance after the charges were filed, preventing him from engaging in critical public safety discussions. The case has sparked public outrage, with New Yorkers voicing their discontent outside court hearings and expressing concern over the mayor’s future.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s actions have added another layer of tension. The administration announced plans to revoke approval for New York City’s congestion pricing program, which began in January, further escalating the conflict between the federal government and the city. Hochul, during her announcement, criticized the administration, describing former President Trump as a “king” and accusing his administration of exerting undue control over New York’s governance.

Hochul’s decision to pursue legislative checks on the mayor’s authority instead of removal reflects her stated commitment to respecting the democratic process while addressing widespread concerns over city leadership. As the city grapples with the ongoing legal and political turmoil, her proposals may chart a new course for how state and city governments interact in the face of scandal.