Democratic New York City Mayor Eric Adams is set to go to trial on federal corruption charges starting April 21, 2025, a U.S. judge ruled on Friday.
U.S. District Judge Dale Ho set the date at a hearing in Manhattan federal court over the opposition of Adams’ defense lawyer, Alex Spiro, who wanted the trial over the mayor’s alleged dealings with Turkish officials to end by March, well before the Democratic primary election in June, according to Reuters. Adams pleaded not guilty in September, with Spiro predicting he would be acquitted and warning of “grave, grave democratic concerns” if Adams does not have enough time to clear his name before voters go to the polls.
“It doesn’t give him a realistic chance,” Spiro said, Reuters reported. Judge Ho, however, pointed out the necessity for a fair and thorough process, citing the need for more time to review and turn over evidence, including potential classified materials.
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan charged Adams in September with allegedly accepting bribes, including flight upgrades and luxury hotel stays, as well as illegal campaign contributions, in exchange for pressuring city officials to greenlight Turkey’s new 36-story consulate, despite alleged safety concerns. The trial, expected to last about a month, will examine these and other actions the prosecution alleges constitute a breach of public trust.
Adams received an unexpected nod from former President Donald Trump, who, like Adams, faces a legal battle while campaigning for office. “Good luck with everything, they went after you,” Trump said during an event, Newsweek reported.
Trump also faced 34 felony charges over alleged falsification of business records tied to a “hush money” payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The jury found Trump guilty in May.
Adams claims he’s been targeted by the Biden Department of Justice for his comments on the illegal immigration crisis.
“Despite our pleas, when the federal government did nothing as its broken immigration policies overloaded our shelter system with no relief, I put the people of New York before party and politics,” Adams said. “I always knew that if I stood my ground for all of you, that I would be a target — and a target I became.”
Featured Image Credit: BruceSchaff
