New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on multiple federal charges in Manhattan, a source familiar with the case revealed to CNBC on Wednesday night. The sealed indictment alleges criminal misconduct related to contributions for Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign and other activities dating back to 2015, including at least one charge involving contributions from a foreign national.
The indictment reportedly highlights that Eric Adams’ campaign received up to $20 million in donations through New York City’s Campaign Finance Program, which provides significant matching funds for small-dollar donations from city residents. Specifically, the program allows candidates to receive funds that can multiply the amount of small donations by up to eight times. Furthermore, sources indicate that the indictment claims Adams traveled to Turkey to collect illegal contributions.
Eric Adams, 64, is notably the second New York mayor to face criminal charges while in office, and he is the first official from his administration to be charged amid ongoing investigations involving the New York Police Department and the city’s educational leadership. Prior to the indictment, it was known that the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office was probing Adams for allegedly conspiring with the Turkish government to funnel illegal donations to his campaign.
On Monday, reports indicated that prosecutors had issued grand jury subpoenas targeting City Hall, Adams, and his campaign, seeking information about potential foreign contributions from five other nations: Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea, and Uzbekistan.
In a video statement released after the news broke, Eric Adams expressed defiance, asserting that the federal government intended to charge him based on falsehoods. “I always knew that if I stood my ground for all of you, I would become a target,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to fighting the charges if they materialized.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI declined to comment on the indictment. In the wake of these developments, several political figures, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have called for Eric Adams to resign, citing the impact of ongoing federal probes on the city’s governance.
If Eric Adams resigns before completing his first term, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would assume the role of acting mayor. The indictment adds to a tumultuous period for Eric Adams, who has faced multiple federal investigations involving several individuals associated with his administration. Notably, Schools Chancellor David Banks announced his anticipated retirement for the end of 2024 following federal scrutiny of his electronic devices. The situation continues to unfold, with many questioning the implications for Eric Adams’ leadership and the city’s political landscape.
