What the Eric Adams indictment means for New York City’s leadership and future

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In today’s big story, the walls are closing in on New York City Mayor Eric Adams after a federal indictment.

What’s on deck:

But first, the charges are in.

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The big story

United States v. Eric Adams

He campaigned on the idea that he’d clean up crime, but prosecutors allege he was the one breaking the law.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on five criminal counts in a corruption probe accusing him of bribery and receiving illegal campaign contributions from foreign nationals. He is scheduled to be arraigned in a Manhattan federal court today.

It marks the first time a sitting NYC mayor has been indicted.

Prosecutors accused Adams, a Democrat and retired police captain, of accepting more than $100,000 worth of luxury international travel from wealthy businesspeople and at least one Turkish government official starting after he became Brooklyn Borough President in 2014.

The goal, said Damian Williams, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, was to gain influence over Adams so foreign nationals could eventually “cash in on their corrupt relationships.”

In one case, according to the indictment, that meant a Turkish Airlines manager offering to charge Adams $50 for two business-class seats worth $15,000. (An Adams staffer told the manager to “quote a proper price,” adding “let it be somewhat real.” Adams ended up paying $1,100 for each ticket.)

Messages obtained by prosecutors also show Adams promising his staffer he “always” deleted texts following a discussion of alleged Turkish bribes.

So what were foreign nationals allegedly looking to cash these favors in for?

A Manhattan skyscraper that houses Turkey’s consulate, among other things, prosecutors say.

Adams pressured the FDNY to approve the opening of the building without a fire inspection so it would be available in time for a high-profile visit by Turkey’s president, according to the indictment.

If convicted, Adams could face 45 years behind bars. But he isn’t backing down.

Despite calls from other elected officials to step down, the mayor has maintained his innocence. He’s also hired high-powered lawyer Alex Spiro, Elon Musk’s go-to attorney.

But the same can’t be said for key people in Adams’ office who resigned before his indictment, including the public school chancellor and police commissioner.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who has the power to remove Adams from office, didn’t comment on the matter Thursday morning beyond saying she needed time to review the indictment.

If Adams is removed from office or steps down, Jumaane Williams, the city’s public advocate, would replace him until a special election is held.

News brief

Top headlines

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2. Microsoft just paused a major AI overhaul of its 365 software suite. The decision to pause on integrating Copilot AI features more deeply into 365 could be a bad sign. According to people familiar with the decision, Microsoft may be questioning whether the tools can drive license purchases.
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In other news

What’s happening today

• Higher tariffs on multiple Chinese goods take effect, including 100% on electric vehicles, 50% on solar cells, and 25% on steel, aluminum, EV batteries, and key minerals.
• New York Film Festival begins.

The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York. Jordan Parker Erb, editor, in New York. Jack Sommers, deputy editor, in London. Nathan Rennolds, editor, in London. Amanda Yen, fellow, in New York. Milan Sehmbi, fellow, in London.