Opinion | Farewell, Justice Department Independence
New York TimesFEB 13
NYC Deputy Mayors Resign as Governor Weighs Adams' Removal
Above: NYC Mayor Eric Adams speaks at the New York Public Library on Jan. 30, 2025. Image copyright: Michael M. Santiago/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Democratic narrative
New Yorkers must have justice in the Adams corruption case. Since the president has blocked that from happening, it's up to the state to rectify the issue politically. No federal official should interfere in state or city business, and if Hochul deems it necessary, she should remove Adams from power before her constituents lose faith in the system.
Republican narrative
If Democrats are worried that voters will lose faith in democracy, then the last thing Hochul should do is remove Adams from office. The Trump administration dropping charges against Adams was nothing worse than the DOJ bringing the preposterous charges against the mayor in the first place. Removing Adams could make him more popular.