Adams beats a familiar drum on D.C. trip

Mayor Eric Adams took his tenth trip to Washington, D.C. on Thursday to plead for help in managing the influx of asylum-seekers to New York City. “This national problem should not be on the backs of everyday taxpayers. I’ve made that clear over and over again,” he said, repeating a familiar refrain.

Whether this latest trip will result in any tangible or meaningful help from the federal government remains to be seen. Adams’ half-day trip included meetings with fellow Brooklynites Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, as well as with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, who previously ran New York City’s emergency management department.

In a short media gaggle after those meetings, Adams did not disclose details of what was discussed, except to say that talks with Schumer and Jeffries were “great” and that the city is asking FEMA not to allow other states to use federal funds to bus migrants to New York. He also said that the city wants to partner with FEMA “on the ground” to learn best practices on emergency housing.

Later on Thursday, Adams is due to meet with White House officials including intergovernmental affairs head Tom Perez. Before that meeting was added to the schedule this afternoon, the mayor’s only planned brush with the White House was set to be at a holiday party happening there tonight. Though Adams plans to do some “old school lobbying” at the party, according to City Hall, he’ll be just one of many in the crowd.