NEW YORK (Diya TV) — Governor Kathy Hochul announced Thursday that she will not immediately remove Mayor Eric Adams from office, opting instead to propose increased state oversight of New York City Hall amid ongoing scrutiny of Adams’ alleged ties to the Trump administration.
Hochul’s decision follows consultations with various political figures regarding Adams’ capacity to govern independently after the Justice Department sought to dismiss his federal corruption case. The governor emphasized the importance of democratic elections, stating that removing an elected official without due process could undermine voter trust.
To enhance accountability, Hochul plans to introduce legislation establishing a state deputy inspector general dedicated to New York City affairs. Additionally, she proposes allocating funds to the city comptroller, public advocate, and City Council speaker, enabling them to hire independent legal counsel for potential litigation against federal actions. These measures aim to ensure robust oversight of municipal operations and finances.
Mayor Adams, who pleaded not guilty to charges of bribery and fraud in September, has faced intensified scrutiny following the Justice Department’s recent move to drop the case, citing its interference with his ability to support federal immigration initiatives. This decision led to resignations within the Justice Department, as some prosecutors objected to what they perceived as improper political interference.
The controversy deepened when four of Adams’ top deputies resigned earlier this week, raising questions about the stability of his administration. Despite these challenges, Adams has maintained his innocence, asserting that his interactions with Turkish officials were standard diplomatic engagements and that he has committed no wrongdoing.
Governor Hochul’s proposed oversight measures require approval from the state legislature. While she has refrained from calling for Adams’ resignation, Hochul has not ruled out the possibility of future action, depending on the outcomes of ongoing investigations and the effectiveness of the proposed reforms.
