New York Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed new oversight measures for New York City Mayor Eric Adams amid mounting calls for his resignation or removal. Despite facing a criminal indictment charging him with corruption, Hochul said she would not use her power to remove Adams as mayor. Instead, she plans to create a new state inspector general to oversee the mayor’s office.
Hochul stated that she is “deeply troubled” by the accusations against Adams and believes New York City is in crisis. She warned Trump’s Justice Department about potential legal agreements with the city, amid rumors of attempts to have the indictment dismissed. Hochul emphasized her commitment to ensuring that leaders are operating solely for the best interests of the city.
The proposal comes as Adams has faced intense pressure from critics and supporters alike, including over 500,000 people who signed a petition calling for his resignation. The state constitution gives the governor the power to remove the mayor if charges have been brought, but this power has not been used in nearly a century.
Hochul’s plan would need votes of approval from lawmakers and city council members, some of whom may oppose giving the state greater control over its most important city. Adams has pleaded not guilty to the five corruption charges and maintains that he has done nothing wrong.
The case against Adams is taking on an increasingly partisan tone, with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi criticizing the indictment as “incredibly weak.” The Department of Justice has seen senior prosecutors resign in protest over the effort to have the indictment dismissed.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/new-york-governor-wont-remove-mayor-proposes-new-oversight-measures-2025-02-20