Gov. Kathy Hochul limiting NYC Mayor Eric Adams' power, but won't remove him yet
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a series of steps to curtail the powers of New York City Mayor Eric Adams by letting other city officials to go around him in challenging the actions of the Trump administration.
As governor, Hochul can remove Adams from office, but said she won't do so yet, though it remains an option.
"After careful consideration, I have determined that I will not commence removal proceedings at this time. My strong belief is that the will of the voters and the supremacy and sanctity of democratic elections preclude me from any other action. I cannot deny the people of this great city the power to make this decision for themselves," Hochul said.
The governor noted she heard the "many voices of New Yorkers who feel outraged, who feel hurt, betrayed by what they have seen," and rejected the idea she was pressured to make the decision.
"I also have concern about disruption and chaos that such a move, such a proceeding could bring to the residents of this great city. And those who argue 'just go and remove him,' fail to appreciate that there is a process involved, due process, the length of the process, and the impact that such a process would have on this city," Hochul said.
Hochul outlines "certain guardrails" on City Hall
Hochul announced three new actions in the wake of accusations of a quid pro quo between Adams and the Trump administration suggesting his criminal case be dropped in exchange for cooperation, particularly with policies involving immigration enforcement.
"To move this city forward, I am undertaking the implementation of certain guardrails that I believe are a first start in reestablishing trust for New York City residents and ensure that all decisions out of City Hall are in the clear interests of the people of this city and not at the behest of the president," Hochul said.
The governor said there is a difference between cooperating with the federal administration and coercion.
"We know that they will stop at nothing to exercise control over New York," Hochul said, citing "border czar" Tom Homan's comments with Adams on "Fox & Friends," as well as the administration's move to pull the plug on congestion pricing.
Additionally, Hochul proposed an independent state inspector general for New York City affairs to oversee the Department of Investigation.
"This will protect the city's investigations from any interference, make sure there is no lack of independence as they make their decisions," Hochul said.
She proposed empowering the city comptroller, public advocate and City Council speaker to sue the Trump administration without having to go through the Corporation Counsel, which is run by the mayor's office.
Another proposal would bar Adams from firing the city's top internal investigator without state approval.
"New York is facing a grave threat from Washington"
Hochul is also expanding funds for the state comptroller for oversight purposes.
"New York is facing a grave threat from Washington. The Trump administration is already trying to use the legal jeopardy facing our mayor as leverage to squeeze and punish our city. The president already trying to weaken our public transit system and undermine our state sovereignty. I call it the Trump revenge tour, and I have to stand in its way. Not surprising, he's taking out his anger and frustration over his 35 felony convictions he received here in the state of New York, taking it out against all New Yorkers," Hochul said.
Most of the governor's proposals require approval from city and state lawmakers.
"She's going to have to pass legislation in Albany to get these guardrails in place, and there's going to be resistance because you're talking about essentially state oversight of New York City," Hofstra law professor James Sample said.
If they pass, all of the proposals will expire at the end of the year, but could be renewed, Hochul said as she tries to "stabilize the situation and calm it down."
The governor also declined to say that removing Adams from office was off the table entirely.
"I used the phrase 'at this time,'" Hochul said. "I will never surrender power that I have."
In response, Adams said in a statement, "I was elected by the people of New York City and its working-class communities to uphold their values — and that is what our administration has done. While there is no legal basis for limiting New Yorkers' power by limiting the authority of my office, I have told the governor, as we have done in the past, that I am willing to work with her to ensure faith in our government is strong. I look forward to continuing those conversations."
Hochul's announcement came after meeting with various key leaders to discuss Adams and his ability to run the city going forward. Those meetings came after four of Adams' deputy mayors announced their resignations.
New York City's Democratic mayoral primary is set to take place in June.
