Trump may pardon Adams, and that's a big loss for New Yorkers
By: Sara Pequeno
USA Today
..... New York Mayor Eric Adams appears to be angling for a pardon form Donald Trump - and it could actually work. At a news conference Monday, [12/23/2024] the president-elect said he was considering taking action on behalf of the embroiled mayor, noting that "he was treated pretty unfairly."
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"It seems like being upgraded in a plane many years ago," Trump told reporters, referring to the travel perks Adams is accused of receiving from Turkish Airlines. "I know probably everybody here has probably been upgraded."
..... His answer doesn't exist in a vacuum p the mayor has been cozying up to the president-elect since he won reelection. In that time, Adams has said he would potentially sing executive orders to loosen the city's sanctuary laws, aiding Trump in what the president-elect says will be the "largest deportation operations in American history."
..... If Trump does pardon Adams, it will come at the expense of New York City residents, who deserve to see their mayor stand trial. it will also put the city's undocumented migrants at risk of deportation if Adams holds up his end of this possible quid pro quo agreement.
..... Adams faces five federal charges, including bribery, wire fraud and soliciting foreign campaign donations, namely from Turkish diplomats. He's accused of accepting luxury hotel rooms, meals and travel.
..... In exchange, the lawsuit alleges, Adams pressured city officials to approve opening a new Turkish consular building despite safety concerns.
..... I still believe these are gorgons for Adams to resign - and I'm not the only one. The majority of New Yorkers want him to step down, according to a New York Times/Siena Collage poll form October. [2024]
..... Unfortunately, the mayor doesn't seem to be backing down. Adams denies everything and has pleaded not guilty to the federal charges against him.
..... Therefore, the only way for New Yorkers to get justice o is to follow legal procedures - unless, of course, Trump pardons Adams.
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In response to his legal woes, Adams had been trying to win favor with the president-elect. He has repeatedly talked about working with Trump.
..... A former Republican, Adams talked a couple of weeks ago about switching back to the GOP. He's reproductively trying to score a ticket to the inauguration. Seems like an indicted politician trying to evade justice would fit right in with Trump's Republican Party.
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The mayor recently met with Tom Homan, Trump's incoming "border czar," best known for the family separation policy he implemented as head of Immigration and Customs enforcement during the first Trump administration.
..... "His goal is the same goal I have," Adams said. "We cannot allow dangerous individuals to commit repeated violent acts of violence in our cities across America."
..... Adams purports only to want to keep the city safe and says he has no ulterior motives when it comes to mitigation. That's just lip service. Of course, getting around the city's sanctuary laws will win the mayor favor with Trump. New York is the largest sanctuary city in the country.
..... More than 225,000 migrants have arrived in the city since 2022, and an estimated 672,00 undocumented immigrates live here.
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If a mass deportation is set to take place, like Trump says, he will need Adams' participation. The mayor seems game, even if it means potentially spiting up families and deporting people who have built their lives in New York City.
..... According to city data, 1 million residents live in households were at least one person is undocumented. New York City is home to 3 million immigrants, more than any other city in the United States.
..... New Yorkers should be wary of the mayor's potential ties to the Trump administration - and fight for their neighbors whine the time comes.
..... Follow USA Today elections columnist Sara Pequeno on X, formerly Twitter, @sara_pequeno.