Uncertainty Rises in Mayor Adams’ Office Once Again as Aides Resign

Four deputy mayors resign from NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ administration amid federal investigations and political turmoil.

Quick Takes

Half of New York City’s deputy mayors have resigned following Eric Adams’ reprieve from a corruption case.
The resignations include key figures such as First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Chauncey Parker.
The departures occurred during a rally supporting Adams, contrasting with calls for his removal from office.
Governor Kathy Hochul is considering removing Adams from office, a power never before used on a NYC mayor.
The Justice Department dropped corruption charges against Adams, but they could potentially be revived.

Mass Exodus from Adams’ Administration

In a stunning turn of events, four of New York City’s deputy mayors have tendered their resignations, dealing a significant blow to Mayor Eric Adams’ administration. The departing officials include First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer, Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi, Deputy Mayor for Health Human Services Anne Williams-Isom, and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Chauncey Parker. This mass exodus comes on the heels of a controversial decision by the Justice Department to drop corruption charges against Adams, a move that has raised eyebrows and sparked intense debate.

The timing of these resignations is particularly notable, as they occurred during a rally in support of Adams. This stark contrast highlights the deepening divide within the administration and the city’s political landscape. Adding to the tension, there are growing calls for Governor Kathy Hochul to remove Adams from office, an unprecedented step in New York’s political history.

Adams’ Response and Political Fallout

Mayor Adams has publicly acknowledged the departures, expressing a mix of disappointment and understanding. In a statement, he said, “I am disappointed to see them go, but given the current challenges, I understand their decision and wish them nothing but success in the future.” This measured response belies the significant challenge these resignations pose to his ability to govern effectively.

The political fallout from these events extends beyond City Hall. Governor Hochul finds herself in a precarious position, weighing the unprecedented step of removing a sitting mayor. She stated, “In the 235 years of New York State history, these powers have never been utilized to remove a duly-elected mayor; overturning the will of the voters is a serious step that should not be taken lightly. That said, the alleged conduct at City Hall that has been reported over the past two weeks is troubling and cannot be ignored.”

Federal Investigations and DOJ Controversy

At the heart of this political upheaval are the federal investigations into Adams’ administration and the subsequent decision by the Justice Department to drop the corruption charges. This move has not only led to the resignations of the deputy mayors but has also caused significant turmoil within the DOJ itself. Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon and five other Justice Department officials resigned in protest, refusing to drop the charges against Adams.

“Any assistant US attorney would know that our laws and traditions do not allow using the prosecutorial power to influence other citizens, much less elected officials, in this way.” – Hagan Scotten

The charges, dating back to 2014 when Adams was Brooklyn borough president, have cast a long shadow over his administration. While Adams has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing, the controversy has fueled concerns about his independence and relationship with former President Trump. The situation has become so dire that prominent Democrats, including Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, are calling for Adams to resign.

The Road Ahead for New York City

As New York City grapples with this political crisis, the path forward remains uncertain. If Adams is removed or resigns, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would become acting mayor and call for a special election. Some political figures, like former state comptroller Carl McCall, have already begun floating potential replacements, including former Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The coming days and weeks will be crucial for Adams’ administration and the future of New York City’s governance. As the political drama unfolds, New Yorkers are left to wonder about the stability of their city’s leadership and the potential long-term impacts of this unprecedented situation.