The Progressive American

The New York mayor faces five federal charges. Here’s what that means

Earlier this week, Thursday, September 26th, 2024, Mayor Eric Adams of New York City was charged with bribery, wire fraud and solicitation of funds from foreign nationals. ¹ The indictment, which is now public, alleges that Mayor Adams not only sought out bribes, but was actively soliciting funds from Turkish nationals who sought favors from Mayor Adams, including “assurances that ADAMS would not make any statement about the Armenian Genocide.” ² Adams has pleaded not guilty to the allegations in court on Friday, suggesting a long and painful fight.³ While Adams is innocent until proven guilty, the indictment is yet another example as to how important the rule of law is and also how nobody, regardless of party, is above it.

What are the Charges?

Adams is facing a litany of charges, including accusations that he was “…taking more than $100,000 in illegal gifts in exchange for using his political influence to help Turkey.” ⁴ In addition, Adams is accused of engaging in a so-called “straw donor” scheme in the New York mayor was accused of attempting to match his mayor campaign’s funds with support from foreign backers. Said funds were allegedly funneled through people living in the United States to Adams’ affiliates. ⁵

If convicted, Adams is convicted, he could face up to 45 years in prison. New York Governor Kathy Hochul is apparently now considering removing Adams from power, though she has yet to publicly state whether or not she will.⁶ If she does, it would not only prevent Adams from potentially using his office as a weapon to protect himself from prosecution, regardless of how successful such an operation would be, but it would also send a message that criminal action by public officials will not be tolerated.

Democrats Must Call Out Democrats

As many of my readers likely know, I have argued for and maintain the simple but critical principle that Democrats must hold fellow Democrats accountable. When Hunter Biden was convicted, I argued that it was not only the right thing to do but it was necessary to upholding faith in the rule of law. ⁷ When former Senator Bob Melendez was convicted in his federal corruption trial, the law once again showed its willingness to charge anyone and everyone who engages in criminal behavior.⁸

Democrats must not only call out Republicans who engage in criminal behavior, or defend criminals running for public office, they must also be willing and able to call out their fellow Democrats. In some extreme cases, they will have to remove them from the highest echelons of power when said corrupt Democrats fail the public trust. Simply calling out the GOP in its hypocrisy is not enough. Universal application of the law is critical to strengthening the peace and tranquility of the United States and its legal institutions.

While it remains unclear what will happen to Mayor Adams, one thing is for certain. Adams and other figures like him don’t belong in public office. Governor. Hochul should remove him from office immediately and put the rule of law first. The well-being of the people of New York and the American people depend upon equality before the law. It is up to our leaders to uphold that simple principle.

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