Adams on his legal woes: ‘This is terrifying for an American to go through’

Asked what he thinks about President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to replace Damian Williams as Manhattan’s top prosecutor, Mayor Eric Adams brought up his own legal woes Tuesday, saying he hopes the next U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York “understands how important justice is in this country.”

While he didn’t mention Williams directly, the implication seemed clear. Over the course of his tenure leading the storied office, Williams has secured indictments against a slew of powerful figures – including Adams. The five count-indictment, unsealed in late September, laid out an array of charges against the mayor, including bribery, wire fraud and soliciting illegal foreign donations. Adams has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing. He’s also suggested – without offering evidence – that the federal investigation and criminal charges he faces are retribution for his criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of the migrant crisis. 

“I don’t think any Americans should go through what I have gone through and I’m hoping that the system of justice moves to be proper,” Adams said at his weekly off-topic press conference. “This is terrifying for an American to go through – particularly one who committed his life to serving the city.” 

As for Jay Clayton, the former Securities and Exchange Commission chair who Trump picked to succeed Williams? Adams said he hasn’t met him, but he reiterated that the justice system should be fair. Earlier this week, Williams, who was appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021, announced he will step down effective December 13 at 11:59 p.m ahead of Trump’s return to the White House. If Clayton is confirmed by the Senate after Trump’s inauguration, that means he’d likely be in charge of SDNY when Adams’ case goes to trial if the scheduled April 21, 2025 date holds.