President-elect Trump said Monday he would consider pardoning Mayor Adams, who is facing federal corruption charges.
“I think he was treated very unfairly,” Trump told reporters at a Mar-a-Lago press conference.
Trump downplayed allegations that Adams took bribes in the form of free luxury travel and airline upgrades provided by Turkey in exchange for cutting corners on approval processes for a new consulate building in New York.
“Being upgraded many years ago on an airplane?” Trump said. “I doubt if there’s anyone here who hasn’t been upgraded.”
The once and future president repeated claims that Adams was targeted for retribution because he took a hard line on undocumented migrants flooding into New York City.
“I said, ‘He’s gonna get indicted,’” Trump said. “And a few months later, he got indicted.”
A spokesperson for Adams did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump’s remarks.
Adams, who faces an April trial date, has previously said he was not seeking a pardon from Trump and is focused on running the city.
The mayor stoked anger among fellow Democrats during the presidential campaign with comments that were seen as being generous to the Republican nominee, including saying Trump is not a fascist.
Adams also declined to disavow comments made by Trump on two occasions, including at the Al E. Smith dinner, about him being sympathetic to the mayor as he faced a criminal indictment.
Critics, including those challenging Adams in the 2025 mayoral race, have questioned whether Adams is avoiding criticizing Trump in hopes the incoming Republican president could help quash the criminal case against him.
Adams is expected to run for a second four year term in Gracie Mansion next year. He faces a crowded field of challengers in a June Democratic primary.
Earlier Monday, the Adams campaign was denied $4 million in matching funds by the city’s Campaign Finance Board, citing his federal corruption indictment.