Even if he goes down, New York City Mayor Eric Adams won’t go down without a fight.
In response to bribery charges, Adams launched a legal offensive against the federal corruption case on Monday. His attorney filed a motion to dismiss the charges and held a combative press conference, accusing prosecutors of ethical violations, The Associated Press reported.
Adams is accused of accepting lavish travel perks and illegal campaign contributions from a Turkish official and other foreign nationals, allegedly in exchange for favors, including expediting the opening of a Turkish consulate. However, he pleaded not guilty on Friday.
In Monday’s motion, Adams’ attorney argued that the free flights, seat upgrades, meals, and hotel accommodations were not bribes under federal law.
“Congressmen get upgrades, they get corner suites, better tables at restaurants, free appetizers, and extra iced tea refills,” said Adams’ attorney, Alex Spiro, at the press conference. “Courtesies to politicians are not federal crimes.”
While not disputing the flight upgrades, Spiro asserted that Adams never promised any action on behalf of the Turkish government in return for the perks, which prosecutors claim are valued at over $100,000.
“There was no quid pro quo,” Spiro emphasized. “There was no ‘this for that.'”
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Despite the charges, Adams has vowed to continue serving as mayor while fighting the allegations. He claimed the charges are politically motivated but has yet to provide evidence to support that assertion.
Federal prosecutors are reportedly conducting separate investigations into several top city officials with close ties to the mayor. A series of searches and subpoenas in recent weeks led to the resignations of the city’s police commissioner, schools chancellor, and some calls for Adams to step down.
Gov. Kathy Hochul, who holds the authority to remove Adams from office, said Monday that she had spoken to the mayor about “what my expectations are.” However, she indicated she was not yet ready to give up on his administration.
“I am giving the mayor an opportunity to demonstrate to New Yorkers—and to me—that we can right the ship, restore confidence, and move forward with effective governance,” Hochul said.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, whose office brought the case, denied that politics played a role. At a press conference on an unrelated matter, Williams declined to comment on Spiro’s remarks, stating that prosecutors would communicate through court filings moving forward.
Prosecutors allege that Adams accepted at least seven free or heavily discounted flights, luxury hotel stays, high-end meals, entertainment, and illegal foreign donations from a Turkish official and others seeking to buy his influence.
In September 2021, the Turkish official reportedly requested Adams’ help in speeding up the opening of a 36-story Manhattan consulate building, which fire safety inspectors had deemed unsafe, ahead of a state visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. According to the indictment, Adams sent text messages to the fire commissioner urging the building’s opening, a claim his lawyer has not disputed.
At the time, Adams was Brooklyn Borough President, a mostly ceremonial role, but had already won the mayoral primary and was the presumed next mayor.
Prosecutors allege that Adams failed to disclose most of the free or discounted trips he took while borough president, as required by city conflict-of-interest laws.
Spiro initially claimed Adams was not legally obligated to disclose any of the trips or upgrades. However, after reporters pointed out that city rules require the disclosure of gifts over $50, Spiro conceded he was not an expert on the city’s conflict-of-interest law.
Defense attorneys also dismissed additional charges that Adams solicited foreign donations and manipulated the city’s matching funds program, stating that these would be proven “equally meritless.” They claimed a former staffer lied to prosecutors to make it seem like Adams was aware of the illegal donations.
“Eventually, New Yorkers, being New Yorkers, will wise up to all this,” Spiro said.
Adams is expected to make another court appearance on Wednesday for a conference.
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