Challenges Faced by Eric Adams: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Eric Adams's life and career.

Eric Leroy Adams is the current mayor of New York City, serving since 2022. Prior to his political career, Adams was a police officer in the NYPD for over 20 years, retiring as a captain. He transitioned to politics, serving in the New York State Senate from 2006 to 2013, representing Brooklyn's 20th district. Adams then became the first African American to be elected Brooklyn Borough President in 2013, holding the position until becoming mayor. His career spans law enforcement and public service.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1986: Mistaken for a Suspect

In 1986, while working as a plainclothes officer, Eric Adams, a Black man, had guns raised at him by white police officers who mistook him for a suspect.

1993: Alleged Sexual Assault Incident

In 1993, the year an anonymous former coworker claims the alleged sexual assault by Eric Adams occurred while they both worked as city employees. This accusation forms the basis of a lawsuit filed in November 2023, which also names the NYPD Transit Bureau and the Guardians Association of the NYPD as defendants.

1994: Failed Congressional Run

In 1994, Eric Adams ran for Congress against incumbent Major Owens in the Democratic primary for New York's 11th congressional district. However, he failed to receive enough valid signatures to make the ballot.

2006: NYPD Investigation and Retirement

In 2006, Eric Adams was investigated by the NYPD for criticizing Mayor Michael Bloomberg on television in his official capacity. He was found guilty and retired from the police force shortly after.

2010: Chaired Senate Racing and Wagering Committee and Faced Investigation

In 2010, Eric Adams became Chair of the Senate Racing and Wagering Committee and was later investigated for his handling of the Aqueduct Racetrack gambling operation. He was criticized for leaking information and fundraising from potential bidders.

2014: Allegations Against Adams Date Back to 2014

In 2014, Eric Adams was still the Brooklyn Borough President when he allegedly began receiving luxury travel and other benefits from Turkish individuals, including a government official and several businessmen. He is accused of pressuring the New York City Fire Department to open a Turkish consular building without a fire inspection and creating false paper trails to cover up his misconduct.

2016: Switched to plant-based diet

In 2016, Eric Adams switched to a plant-based diet after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. He researched alternatives to insulin, consulted with physicians, and made lifestyle changes. He removed animal products, processed sugar, salt, oil, and processed starches from his diet and began exercising regularly. He lost 30 lb (14 kg), reversed his diabetes, and reduced his blood pressure and cholesterol levels within six months.

February 14, 2018: Joining efforts to demand stricter gun laws

On February 14, 2018, following the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Eric Adams joined Brooklyn students in organizing an emergency meeting at Brooklyn Borough Hall and a rally in Prospect Park, demanding stricter gun laws.

November 20, 2020: Attending Indoor Fundraiser During COVID-19 Pandemic

On November 20, 2020, shortly after announcing his mayoral run, Eric Adams attended an indoor fundraiser with 18 people in an Upper West Side restaurant during the COVID-19 pandemic, which drew criticism.

October 2021: COVID-19 vaccine mandate introduced

In October 2021, the COVID-19 vaccine mandate had been introduced by Adams's predecessor but kept in place by Adams.

2021: Adams supports "stop and frisk" policy during his 2021 mayoral campaign

During his 2021 mayoral campaign, Adams supported the NYPD's "stop and frisk" policy during his State Senate tenure.

2021: Investigation into Adams's 2021 Campaign

In 2021, Eric Adams ran his campaign to be the Mayor of New York. Later, in October 2024, Mohamed Bahi was arrested and charged with witness tampering and destruction of evidence related to the investigation into Adams's 2021 campaign.

February 14, 2022: Firing New York City municipal workers for refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19

On February 14, 2022, 1,430 New York City municipal workers were fired after refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

February 23, 2022: Calling on Companies to Rescind Remote Work Policies

On February 23, 2022, Eric Adams called on companies based in New York City to rescind remote work policies put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for in-person workers to support local businesses.

March 2022: Ending vaccine and mask mandates, creating "Kyrie Carve-Out"

In March 2022, Eric Adams ended the city's vaccine mandate for indoor settings and the city's mask mandate in public schools. That same month, Adams announced that he would keep the city's vaccine mandate for private-sector employees but create an exemption for athletes and performers, the policy became known as the "Kyrie Carve-Out".

April 11, 2022: Diagnosed with COVID-19 and Responding to Subway Shooting

On April 11, 2022, Eric Adams was diagnosed with COVID-19 and entered quarantine. While in quarantine, he responded virtually to a shooting on a New York City Subway train in Brooklyn and suggested implementing metal detectors in the subway.

April 21, 2022: Assurances Given on Adams's Stance on Armenian Genocide

On April 21, 2022, a Turkish official messaged an Adams staffer, repeatedly asking for assurances that Eric Adams would not make any statement about the Armenian Genocide as the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day approached. The staffer confirmed that Adams would not make such a statement, and Adams ultimately did not.

June 7, 2022: Poll Finds Adams' Approval Rating at 29%

On June 7, 2022, a poll conducted by Siena College, in conjunction with Spectrum News and its NY1 affiliate, found that Eric Adams had an approval rating of 29%, with 76% of New Yorkers worried about becoming victims of violent crime.

June 2022: Unveiling Administration's Affordable Housing Blueprint

In June 2022, Eric Adams unveiled his administration's "comprehensive blueprint" for affordable housing, which was critiqued for being too vague.

2022: Agreement on Medicare Advantage plan

In 2022, Adams and the Municipal Labor Committee (MLC) agreed on a deal that would move City retirees from traditional Medicare to a new, privately run Medicare Advantage plan.

2022: Turkish Officials Pressed Staffer to Boycott Armenian Genocide Commemorations

In 2022, according to the indictment, Turkish officials pressured a staffer to assure that Eric Adams would boycott commemorations of the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, aligning with Turkey's official denial of the genocide. The indictment indicates Adams complied with the request.

March 2023: Advancing Plans to Convert Office Buildings into Affordable Apartments

In March 2023, the New York City Department of City Planning advanced plans to convert vacant office buildings into "affordable" apartments. Eric Adams elicited backlash after proposing "dormitory style accommodations" and declaring that apartments did not require windows.

June 23, 2023: Adams Vetoes Housing Voucher Legislation

On June 23, 2023, Eric Adams vetoed legislation aimed at expanding eligibility for housing vouchers under the CityFHEPS program for homeless families and individuals. He argued the bills were too costly and administratively challenging. Despite the veto, Adams implemented part of the legislation through an executive order, eliminating a 90-day waiting period for individuals in shelters. This action led to a contentious back-and-forth with the City Council.

June 28, 2023: Adams Accused of Being Controlled by Real-Estate Lobby

On June 28, 2023, during a housing town hall, Eric Adams was accused by an 84-year-old Holocaust survivor and tenant advocate, Jeanie Dubnau, of being controlled by the real-estate lobby. Dubnau questioned Adams about the rent increases on rent-stabilized housing approved by a board he appointed. Adams responded with a controversial statement, comparing Dubnau's behavior to treating someone on a plantation.

July 13, 2023: City Council Overrides Mayor's Veto

On July 13, 2023, the City Council overrode Mayor Adams's veto of the housing voucher legislation with a 42–8 vote, marking the first veto override since Michael Bloomberg's administration. This event signified an escalation in the confrontational relationship between the City Council and the mayor, with Adams indicating a potential legal challenge to the override.

July 2023: Arguing about lack of room and resources to provide for the migrants

In July 2023, during the New York City migrant housing crisis, Adams argued that New York City was running out of room and resources to provide for the influx of roughly 100,000 migrants from the southern border. He said, "Our cup has basically runneth over. We have no more room in the city."

August 2023: Accusation of being slow to act and failing to accept aid

In August 2023, a lawyer for Governor Kathy Hochul accused Adams of being slow to act and failing to accept aid offers from the state to manage the migrants.

September 2023: Warning that the migrant crisis could "destroy" New York City

In September 2023, Eric Adams warned reporters that the migrant crisis could "destroy" New York City.

November 12, 2023: FBI Investigation into Adams's Ties to Turkey Reported

On November 12, 2023, The New York Times reported that the FBI was investigating Eric Adams for alleged influence by the Turkish government to approve its consulate in Manhattan without a fire inspection.

November 2023: Adams Accused of Sexual Assault in Lawsuit

In November 2023, Eric Adams was named in a lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault by an anonymous former coworker from 1993, when they were both city employees. The lawsuit alleges battery, employment discrimination, retaliation, a hostile work environment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Adams denied the allegations, stating he didn't recognize the accuser or recall the event.

November 22, 2023: Sexual assault lawsuit filed

On November 22, 2023, a Florida woman filed a sexual assault lawsuit against Eric Adams under the New York Adult Survivors Act.

December 2023: Poll Shows Lowest Approval Rating Since 1996

In December 2023, a poll published by Quinnipiac University Polling Institute showed Eric Adams's approval rating at 28% among registered voters, marking the lowest approval of any mayor since the institution began polling in the city in 1996.

December 2023: United Federation of Teachers Files Lawsuit Against Adams

In December 2023, the United Federation of Teachers filed a lawsuit against Eric Adams to prevent a $550 million cut to education funding, marking another challenge to his administration's policies.

2023: Agreement on Medicare Advantage plan

In 2023, Adams and the Municipal Labor Committee (MLC) agreed on a deal that would move City retirees from traditional Medicare to a new, privately run Medicare Advantage plan.

January 30, 2024: City Council Overrides Adams's Veto of How Many Stops Act

On January 30, 2024, the New York City Council, under the leadership of Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, overrode Mayor Adams's veto of the How Many Stops Act. The new law limits solitary confinement in city jails and requires police officers to meticulously document encounters with suspected criminals. Councilman Yusef Salaam, as Chair of the Public Safety Committee, played a key role in bringing the legislation to a vote.

March 18, 2024: Legal complaint filed

On March 18, 2024, a legal complaint related to the lawsuit was filed, alleging that in 1993, Adams asked the woman for oral sex in exchange for career advancement. The complaint also alleges that when the woman refused, Adams forced her to touch his penis and ejaculated on her leg. The lawsuit includes counts of battery, infliction of emotional distress, gender discrimination, retaliation and sexual harassment.

September 2024: Departures from Adams Administration

In September 2024, Edward Caban, the Police Commissioner, and Lisa Zornberg, the Chief Counsel, both left the Adams administration. Reports indicated that Zornberg's departure stemmed from Adams's "refusal to get rid of officials who have come under federal scrutiny."

September 2024: Adams Arraigned, Faces Calls for Resignation

In September 2024, Eric Adams was arraigned in federal court and pleaded not guilty. Following the arraignment, U.S. Representative Jerry Nadler called for Adams's resignation. By the end of the month, 15 Democratic state and local leaders, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, had also called for his resignation. Some officials even suggested that New York Governor Kathy Hochul should remove Adams from office.

September 2024: Investigations Emerge into Adams's Administration

In September 2024, a series of investigations into Eric Adams's administration began to emerge. On September 25, 2024, Adams was indicted on federal charges, including bribery, conspiracy, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations.

September 2024: Investigations into Adams's Administration and Indictment

In September 2024, a series of investigations into Eric Adams's administration emerged, leading to his indictment on federal charges of bribery, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations. He pleaded not guilty, claiming the charges were retaliation for opposing the Biden administration's migrant crisis handling.

September 25, 2024: Adams Indicted on Federal Charges

On September 25, 2024, Eric Adams was indicted on federal charges, making him the first mayor in New York City history to be charged with federal crimes while in office.

October 4, 2024: Timothy Pearson Departs from Senior Advisor Role

On October 4, 2024, Timothy Pearson, a senior advisor to Eric Adams, left his position after facing complaints of battery and sexual harassment.

October 7, 2024: Mohamed Bahi Resigns and is Arrested

On October 7, 2024, Mohamed Bahi, Eric Adams's chief liaison to the Muslim community, resigned. The following day, Bahi was arrested and charged with witness tampering and destruction of evidence related to the investigation into Adams's 2021 campaign.

October 2024: Marist College poll finds Adam's approval rating at 26%

In October 2024, in the midst of multiple investigations into wrongdoing, a Marist College poll found Adam's approval rating to be just 26%.

October 2024: Multiple Officials Resign from Adams Administration

In October 2024, several key figures resigned from the Adams administration. These included Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, Director of Asian Affairs Winnie Greco, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Schools Chancellor David Banks, and Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan. The homes of Phil Banks and Winnie Greco had previously been searched by federal authorities. Sheena Wright is married to Phil Banks, and David Banks is his brother.

December 2024: Resignations of Key Figures in Adams Administration

In December 2024, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Eric Adams's chief adviser, resigned and was later indicted on bribery charges. Additionally, Jeffrey Maddrey, Chief of Department of the New York Police Department, resigned following accusations of sexual misconduct.

February 10, 2025: DOJ Directs Prosecutors to Drop Charges Against Adams

On February 10, 2025, the Department of Justice, under President Trump, directed federal prosecutors to drop charges against Eric Adams, citing concerns that the case had been affected by publicity and was hindering his ability to govern. However, U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon refused to dismiss the charges and later resigned, accusing the Trump administration of making an illicit deal with Adams. The case was reassigned, leading to further resignations within the Department of Justice.

February 2025: DOJ Instructed to Drop Charges Against Adams

In February 2025, the Department of Justice under the Donald Trump administration instructed federal prosecutors to drop the charges against Eric Adams.

March 2025: Approval rating falls to 20%

By March 2025, another Quinnipiac University poll found that Adams's approval rating had fallen to just 20%.

April 2, 2025: Case Against Adams Dismissed

On April 2, 2025, Judge Dale Ho dismissed the case against Eric Adams.

April 3, 2025: Adams Announces Independent Run for Reelection

On April 3, 2025, Eric Adams announced he would exit the Democratic primary and run as an independent in the general election, acknowledging his limited chances of success within the Democratic Party. This made him the first incumbent mayor since John Lindsay in 1969 to seek reelection without the nomination of either major party.