In an interview exploring the evolving dynamics between New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the White House, it becomes clear that their relationship has soured significantly over the past two years. President Biden distanced himself from Adams after their initial collaboration during a visit to New York in 2022 aimed at addressing gun violence. That moment represented a supportive partnership, but the situation has dramatically changed.
Sources from Politico, speaking on condition of anonymity, reveal that Biden has only reached out to Adams once in the past two years, aside from a condolence call. The rift reportedly originated from Adams’ ongoing critiques of the Biden administration’s handling of the migrant influx in New York, issues that arose well before any federal investigations began.
After their relationship deteriorated, Adams was removed from Biden’s reelection advisory board last summer, shortly before he announced his departure. The situation escalated with the revelation of a federal investigation that ultimately led to charges from Manhattan prosecutors.
Interestingly, despite spending three days at the United Nations this week, Biden did not set aside any time to meet with Adams. Once viewed as a political role model by Adams, the mayor has changed his narrative, aligning more with former President Trump. He contends that the federal investigation against him is politically motivated, stemming from tensions with the White House.
In a video statement released after news of the indictment, Adams expressed frustration, saying, “We made requests, but the federal government has been unresponsive. As their broken immigration policies overburden our shelter system, I will prioritize New Yorkers over party and politics.”
The White House has denied any connection to the Justice Department’s proceedings, with press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating that “the Justice Department handles this case independently.” She also refrained from commenting on whether Biden supports calls from some Democratic lawmakers in New York for Adams to resign.
Adams, who faced ethical questions earlier in his career due to bidding scandals, initially maintained a favorable connection with Biden, especially after his election as mayor in 2021, reflecting Biden’s centrist political image. He even labeled himself the “Biden of Brooklyn,” highlighting their shared public appearances.
During the pandemic, as crime rates surged nationally, Adams’ background in law enforcement resonated with the public. In 2021, Biden welcomed Adams to the White House for discussions on combating gun violence while he was still the Brooklyn Borough president and a mayoral candidate. In a follow-up event in February 2022, after Adams took office, Biden joined him again to address violent crime reduction strategies.
However, the harmony soured when Adams began to publicly criticize Biden’s immigration policies. He has employed alarming language, suggesting the immigration crisis poses an existential threat to New York City and that the financial burden of unauthorized immigrants could cripple the city.
Last year, Adams bluntly stated, “The President and the White House have failed this city,” a sentiment that has resonated with many of the Republican critics of Biden’s approach to immigration. This ongoing saga may have significant implications for both Adams and the Biden administration moving forward.
