President-elect Trump open to pardoning NYC Mayor Eric Adams over bribery, fraud charges

Adams is accused of taking illegal campaign donations from Turkish diplomats, luxury perks from Turkish nationals

President-elect Donald Trump on Monday said he would consider pardoning New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who is facing federal charges of bribery, fraud, and campaign finance violations stemming from a Justice Department corruption probe.

"Yeah, I would," Trump said during a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida when asked if a pardon for Adams was on the table. "I think that he was treated pretty unfairly." Trump further stated that he would "certainly look at it."

The charges against Adams allege that he accepted illegal campaign contributions and luxury perks from Turkish diplomats and businesspeople, including high-end travel and accommodations. Prosecutors claim Adams exerted pressure on city officials to approve the opening of a new 36-story Turkish consulate in Manhattan despite safety concerns. Adams, who has pleaded not guilty, denies any wrongdoing.

Trump, who has frequently criticized the Justice Department during his tenure, suggested that Adams’ legal troubles could be linked to his outspoken criticism of President Joe Biden's handling of migration issues.

"When he essentially went against what is happening with the migrants coming in ‒ he made some pretty strong statements, like this is not sustainable ‒ I said, 'You know what? He'll be indicted soon,'" Trump remarked. "And a few months later, he got indicted."

Adams, a Democrat, has shown increasing openness to Trump since the president-elect’s 2024 campaign began. He recently met with Trump’s incoming "border czar," Tom Homan, to discuss migration policies. Additionally, Adams greeted Trump at a UFC fight in Madison Square Garden and has hinted he might consider leaving the Democratic Party.

Speaking about the allegations, Trump downplayed their seriousness. "It seems like being upgraded in a plane many years ago. I know probably everybody here has probably been upgraded," he said, implying the charges were overblown.

Despite his comments, Trump acknowledged he would need to examine the specifics of the case. "I mean, I'd have to see it because I don't know the facts," he admitted.

Trump's remarks underscore his willingness to intervene in high-profile cases and suggest that Adams’ ongoing criticism of Biden's immigration policies may have influenced his stance.