New York City Mayor Eric Adams is seeking the dismissal of one of the bribery charges in the federal indictment against him, as he continues to face mounting legal and political pressure. Adams’ legal team filed a motion Monday asking a federal judge to throw out the bribery charge, calling it “extraordinarily vague.” The motion is part of Adams’ defense against a five-count indictment accusing him of accepting luxury travel and illegal campaign donations from Turkish officials in exchange for political favors.
Adams’ lawyer, Alex Spiro, argued that the charge does not meet the federal legal standard for bribery. He cited a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling from June, which determined that public corruption laws do not apply to gifts and payments meant to reward public officials unless a clear exchange of favors is proven. “This airline upgrade corruption case is based on flawed logic and should be dismissed,” Spiro said. Adams has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has vowed to fight the allegations.
The indictment, which accuses Adams of accepting luxury benefits and campaign contributions from Turkish officials, alleges that these were given in return for political influence. Despite the charges, Adams remains defiant, insisting that he will not resign and that he is innocent. “I’ve done nothing wrong, and time will prove that,” Adams told reporters on Monday, adding that he intends to continue leading the city and letting his legal team handle the case. Adams claims he has received support from numerous people urging him to stay in office.
The bribery case has created a significant political storm, with calls from within Adams’ own Democratic party for his resignation. However, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has stated that she is “monitoring the situation” and has no immediate plans to remove Adams from office. Hochul emphasized that she is giving Adams the opportunity to regain the trust of New Yorkers, though confidence in his administration has begun to waver.
Meanwhile, federal prosecutors have indicated that the investigation into Adams’ alleged corruption is far from over. NBC Legal Analyst Danny Cevallos warned that Adams faces a tough legal battle ahead, as federal prosecutors win the vast majority of their cases. Cevallos suggested that other people in Adams’ circle could potentially cooperate with investigators, adding to the pressure on the mayor.
At a press briefing at Trump Tower in New York City, former President Donald Trump commented on the federal indictment of NYC Mayor Eric Adams. When asked about the charges against Adams, Trump responded briefly, saying, “I wish him luck.” Trump did not elaborate further but acknowledged the severity of the legal challenges Adams faces as the investigation continues.
In a related development, one of Adams’ top advisors, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, had her electronic devices seized by authorities as part of the investigation. Lewis-Martin, the mayor’s chief advisor, was served with a subpoena upon her return from Japan at Kennedy Airport. Investigators from both the federal government and the Manhattan District Attorney’s office also searched her home in Brooklyn. The DA’s investigation appears to be linked to the corruption indictment of Adams’ former building commissioner, Eric Ulrich, last year. Lewis-Martin’s attorney stated that she is fully cooperating with the authorities.
As Adams prepares for his next court appearance on Wednesday, the legal and political ramifications of the case are likely to grow. With an indictment hanging over his administration and increasing scrutiny from federal investigators, the mayor faces a steep uphill battle both in the courtroom and the court of public opinion.
