New York City Mayor Eric Adams met with President Donald Trump in Washington on Friday, marking a high-profile return to the national stage just weeks after a federal judge formally dismissed a corruption case against him.
The two leaders met behind closed doors to discuss what Adams described as “city priorities,” including federal funding for infrastructure, public housing, and transportation upgrades. Details of the meeting were sparse, but Adams characterized the conversation as “productive.”
The timing of the meeting has raised eyebrows. Just a month ago, a federal judge approved the Justice Department’s request to dismiss a criminal case that had accused Adams of accepting illicit campaign contributions and gifts from Turkish officials. The charges, which Adams denied, included allegations that he helped fast-track the opening of a Turkish diplomatic building that failed to meet fire code inspections.
The DOJ’s decision to drop the case prompted resignations from two prosecutors and renewed concerns about political interference in high-level investigations. Critics have accused the Biden administration of cutting a backroom deal to protect Adams — an accusation both the White House and the mayor’s office deny.
Adams’ political transformation has also drawn attention. Once a centrist Democrat, Adams has shifted right in recent months, embracing stricter immigration enforcement and public safety crackdowns. He’s even floated the idea of running for reelection as an independent — a move that would make him one of the most visible bipartisan figures in American politics.
For now, Adams appears focused on rebuilding his image — and his influence — through proximity to power. Whether this marks the start of a strategic alliance with Trump or just a brief detente remains to be seen.
