New York City Mayor Eric Adams says that "a productive conversation" took place during a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump in Florida on Friday.
Why It Matters
Adams, a Democrat, has seemingly become more friendly toward Trump and his incoming administration since being indicted on federal criminal charges of fraud and bribery. He denies all wrongdoing and claims to be the victim of a "politicized" justice system.
The mayor's meeting with Trump comes amid accusations that he is cozying up to the president-elect in an attempt to secure a federal pardon. Trump has already publicly stated that he will "look at" pardoning Adams.
What To Know
In a statement, Adams insisted that the meeting on Friday was strictly focused on issues other than his legal woes, while stating that the "needs" of New York City were the main topic of discussion.
"President Trump and I had a productive conversation about New York's needs and what's best for our city, and how the federal government can play a more helpful role in improving the lives of New Yorkers," Adams wrote. "While we briefly touched on a number of issues, we specifically focused on the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas and how it will have a positive impact on public safety in our country; how we can bring manufacturing jobs back to New York, particularly in the Bronx; and how we can continue to make federal investments in New York City, especially when it comes to infrastructure."
"To be clear, we did not discuss my legal case, and those who suggest the mayor of the largest city in the nation shouldn't meet with the incoming president to discuss our city's priorities because of inaccurate speculation or because we're from different parties clearly care more about politics than people," he continued. "After our discussion, I strongly believe there is much our city and the federal government can partner on to make New York City safer, stronger, and more affordable."
The mayor concluded his statement by thanking "President Trump for his time and attention," while adding that he is looking forward to "working with him to benefit all New Yorkers."
Newsweek reached out for comment to Trump's office via email on Friday night.
What People Are Saying
Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic New York State Assembly member who is challenging Adams in the 2025 mayoral election, in a statement: "No one believes that Eric Adams sneaked off to Mar-a-Lago to advocate for the needs of any New Yorkers other than his own. The Mayor faces a federal trial on corruption charges in three short months and wants to appeal to the one person who can make it all go away. I fear he will sell out our city to secure that outcome."
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, also a Democrat who is challenging Adams in the mayoral election, in a post to X, formerly Twitter: "Eric Adams should state immediately that he will not seek or accept a pardon from Donald Trump. New Yorkers deserve to know that their Mayor is putting their interests ahead of his own—and whether our tax dollars, or Turkish Airlines, will be financing his trip to Florida."
What Happens Next
Trump will be sworn into office and begin his second term at an inauguration ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Monday. While Adams has not publicly confirmed his travel plans for Monday, the mayor has reportedly expressed an interest in attending the inauguration.
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