Should Hochul remove Adams? Former New York governor weighs in
Former New York Gov. David Paterson (D) says there is no clear evidence of wrongdoing to justify Gov. Kathy Hochul suspending Mayor Eric Adams (D), though he acknowledges Hochul's right to hold meetings about Adams' fate.
The comments come as Hochul weighs whether to remove him from office following the resignation of four deputy mayors after the Justice Department (DOJ) ordered prosecutors earlier this month to drop the corruption charges against the embattled mayor.
"Where's the picture of Eric Adams punching a policeman? Where's a picture of Eric Adams shoplifting?" There's no evidence," Paterson said Tuesday on NewsNation's "CUOMO," suggesting that Democrats who oppose Adams should challenge him in the upcoming June primary instead.
Paterson added that the DOJ is directly responsible for the political crisis engulfing Adams, arguing that federal prosecutors deliberately maintained leverage over the mayor by moving to dismiss charges "without prejudice."
The former governor added that the decision means prosecutors "can bring this back" whenever they want, suggesting the move was designed to ensure Adams' compliance with federal immigration enforcement efforts.
"If they felt that Eric Adams was starting to become too independent … that they would be embarrassed, and he would mess up their plan to really drag every migrant out of New York that they possibly can," they could reopen the case, Paterson said.
Adams has vowed to remain in office despite the escalating crisis. If Hochul were to attempt removal, it would mark the first such action against a New York City mayor in more than 200 years.
Paterson has previously brushed off calls for Adams to resign, calling them "outrageous."
The mayor and President Trump's DOJ are scheduled to appear before a judge Wednesday regarding the case dismissal request.
-
New York Gov. Hochul won't remove Mayor Eric Adams 'at this time'
The DOJ is seeking to dismiss its criminal case against Eric Adams, citing the need for the mayor's cooperation on Trump immigration policies.CNBC - 7h -
Hochul to Seek New Oversight, but Won’t Remove Adams for Now
Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York announced that she will not remove Mayor Eric Adams at this time but will seek to increase state supervision of New York City’s affairs.The New York Times - 7h -
Gov. Hochul: 'I will not commence removal proceedings' of NYC Mayor Adams
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that she will not remove embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams "at this time." The announcement comes amid pressure to remove Adams from office after he was ...NBC News - 9h -
Pam Bondi Derides Eric Adams Indictment in New York as ‘Incredibly Weak’
At a conservative conference, Pam Bondi calls the case against New York Mayor Eric Adams “incredibly weak.”The New York Times - 8h -
David Boren, former Oklahoma governor and veteran US senator, dies at 83
David Boren, the former Oklahoma governor and longtime U.S. Senate intelligence chief who went on to lead the University of Oklahoma after his retirement from politics, has diedABC News - 17h -
Trump Moves to Cancel New York City’s Congestion Pricing
The move will halt the program that charges most drivers $9 to enter much of Manhattan.Inc. - 1d -
Six New York prison workers indicted for murder in beating death of inmate
Assault on Robert Brooks in December caught on body cameras, triggering widespread outrage and calls for justice. Six New York prison workers have been indicted for second-degree murder in the ...The Guardian - 9h -
Reporter's Notebook: A look back at 1939 Nazi rally in New York City
On this day in 1939, 20,000 people attended a Nazi rally at Madison Square Garden. Months earlier, Nazis in Germany had killed nearly 100 Jewish citizens in one night and sent 30,000 more to ...CBS News - 5h -
New York sues vape distributors over Elf Bar and other fruit and candy e-cigarettes
New York is suing several large electronic cigarette distributors for allegedly selling vaping flavors that can appeal to childrenABC News - 16h -
Murder charges announced in death of Robert Brooks, man beaten by New York prison officers
Murder charges have been announced in the death of Robert Brooks, a 43-year-old inmate who was beaten by guards at an upstate New York prison in December.NBC News - 10h
More from The Hill
-
Live updates: Musk takes the stage at CPAC; Senate vote-a-rama stretches into the night
Tech billionaire Elon Musk took the stage at this year's Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) with a late-scheduled appearance that saw him wield a chainsaw and discuss a range of ...The Hill - 2h -
China supports 'recent consensus' between US and Russia on Ukraine war, foreign minister says
China supports “the recent consensus” between the U.S. and Russia on the war in Ukraine, said Wang Yi, the country’s foreign minister, amid ongoing discussions about bringing an end to the nearly ...The Hill - 3h -
Former 'Squad' members launching 'Bowman and Bush' YouTube show
Former Reps. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) and Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) are launching a YouTube show, according to a Thursday post from Bush on her Instagram. “I’m beyond excited to announce the launch of our ...The Hill - 5h -
Trump vows to add Black icons to proposed National Garden of American Heroes
President Trump shared plans to feature more than 10 Black historical figures in his proposed National Garden of American Heroes during a Thursday White House reception for Black History Month. ...The Hill - 5h -
Trump vents frustration with Boeing over Air Force One delays
President Trump is airing grievances with Boeing over delays in delivering new Air Force One jets, telling Republican governors on Thursday he was “getting a little tired” of the hold up. “I bought ...The Hill - 5h
More in Politics
-
Live updates: Musk takes the stage at CPAC; Senate vote-a-rama stretches into the night
Tech billionaire Elon Musk took the stage at this year's Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) with a late-scheduled appearance that saw him wield a chainsaw and discuss a range of ...The Hill - 2h -
Georgia Republican faces crowd angered by DOGE layoffs
Rep. Rich McCormick faced a crowd at a town hall in Roswell, Georgia, that expressed anger about the layoffs and cuts implemented by Elon Musk's DOGE team.NBC News - 3h -
China supports 'recent consensus' between US and Russia on Ukraine war, foreign minister says
China supports “the recent consensus” between the U.S. and Russia on the war in Ukraine, said Wang Yi, the country’s foreign minister, amid ongoing discussions about bringing an end to the nearly ...The Hill - 3h -
Fired Army veteran speaks out about federal layoffs
Army Veteran Nelson Feliz, Sr., who spent more than a decade working for the Department of Veterans Affairs, is speaking out about his experience as one of the many federal workers who was let go ...NBC News - 4h -
Former 'Squad' members launching 'Bowman and Bush' YouTube show
Former Reps. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) and Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) are launching a YouTube show, according to a Thursday post from Bush on her Instagram. “I’m beyond excited to announce the launch of our ...The Hill - 5h