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, elected in 2022. Prior to his mayoral role, Adams had a career in law enforcement, serving over 20 years in the New York City Transit Police and later the NYPD, retiring as a captain. His political career includes serving in the New York State Senate representing Brooklyn's 20th district from 2006 to 2013. Adams also made history as the first Black American elected as Brooklyn Borough President in 2013, a position he held until becoming mayor.

Sections (6)

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

1986: Mistaken for a suspect by fellow officers

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

1993: Alleged Sexual Assault Incident

In 1993, Eric Adams allegedly drove a woman to a vacant lot and asked her for oral sex in exchange for career advancement. When she refused, he allegedly forced her to touch his penis and ejaculated on her leg, according to a legal complaint filed in 2024.

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 but failed to get enough signatures to make the ballot. He claimed his signatures had been stolen.

2000: US Commission on Civil Rights commented on NYPD Stop and Frisk policy

In 2000, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights commented on the NYPD's "stop and frisk" policy, stating that it constituted racial profiling. Eric Adams was a vocal opponent of the policy.

2006: Investigated by NYPD and retired

In 2006, Eric Adams was investigated by the NYPD for critiquing Mayor Michael Bloomberg on television while in his official capacity as a police officer. He retired from the police force with the rank of captain after being found guilty of violating department policies.

2010: Chaired Senate Racing and Wagering Committee and faced investigation

In 2010, Eric Adams became Chair of the Senate Racing and Wagering Committee. He was later investigated for his handling of the gambling operation at the Aqueduct Racetrack, but no action was taken by the Department of Justice.

2011: Supported Federal Investigation into Stop-and-Frisk

In 2011, Eric Adams supported calling for a federal investigation into stop-and-frisk practices by the NYPD and championed a bill to stop the NYPD from gathering data about individuals who had been stopped but not charged.

2014: Establishment and Investigation of One Brooklyn Fund

In 2014, Eric Adams established the One Brooklyn Fund, a nonprofit organization. In the same year, his office was investigated by the city Department of Investigation (DOI) regarding fundraising practices for the fund.

2014: Allegations of Misconduct Date Back to 2014

The allegations for which Adams was indicted date back to 2014, when he was Brooklyn Borough President. He is accused of receiving luxury travel and other benefits from Turkish individuals and pressuring the New York City Fire Department to open a Turkish consular building without a fire inspection.

2016: Adoption of a 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 and consulted with physicians. He adopted a whole food plant-based diet, removing animal products, processed sugar, salt, oil, and processed starches, and began exercising regularly. Within six months, he reversed his diabetes, reduced his blood pressure and cholesterol, and lost 30 lb (14 kg).

2016: DOI Finding Regarding Brooklyn Borough Hall Use

In 2016, the DOI found that Eric Adams's office had mistakenly licensed the use of Brooklyn Borough Hall for a Mayor's Office event.

November 20, 2020: Attendance at Indoor Fundraiser Amid Pandemic

On November 20, 2020, shortly after announcing his mayoral run, Eric Adams attended an indoor fundraiser with 18 people, drawing criticism due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

2021: Investigation into Adams' 2021 Campaign

In 2021, Adams's campaign was under investigation in the Southern District of New York.

February 14, 2022: Firing of Unvaccinated City Workers

On February 14, 2022, 1,430 New York City municipal workers were fired for refusing COVID-19 vaccination.

March 2022: Easing of COVID-19 Mandates with "Kyrie Carve-Out"

In March 2022, Eric Adams ended the city's vaccine mandate for indoor settings and mask mandate in public schools but created an exemption for athletes and performers, known as the "Kyrie Carve-Out", allowing Kyrie Irving to play home games.

April 11, 2022: COVID-19 Diagnosis and Subway Shooting Response

On April 11, 2022, Eric Adams was diagnosed with COVID-19 and quarantined. During this time, he responded virtually to a subway shooting in Brooklyn, criticizing the overproliferation of guns and suggesting metal detectors in the subway.

April 21, 2022: Assurances Requested Regarding Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day

On April 21, 2022, a Turkish official requested assurances from an Adams staffer that Adams would not make any statement about the Armenian Genocide. The Adams staffer confirmed that Adams would not make a statement, and Adams did not make such a statement.

June 7, 2022: Poll Shows Approval Rating Decline

On June 7, 2022, a poll indicated Eric Adams had a 29% approval rating, and 76% of New Yorkers were worried about becoming victims of violent crime.

2022: Agreement on Medicare Advantage Plan

In 2022, Eric 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.

March 2023: Plans for Office Building Conversions and Housing Proposals

In March 2023, as a result of high office vacancy rates, the New York City Department of City Planning advanced plans to convert vacant office buildings into apartments. Eric Adams faced backlash for proposing "dormitory style accommodations" and apartments without windows.

June 23, 2023: Adams Vetoes Housing Voucher Legislation

On June 23, 2023, Eric Adams vetoed legislation aimed at expanding housing voucher eligibility for homeless individuals under the CityFHEPS program, citing excessive costs and administrative challenges. He partially implemented the legislation via executive order, eliminating a 90-day waiting period for those in shelters. The City Council strongly criticized Adams's arguments. The legislation aimed to increase housing support for vulnerable populations.

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

On June 28, 2023, during a housing town hall, Jeanie Dubnau, a Holocaust survivor and tenant advocate, accused Adams of being controlled by the real-estate lobby and questioned him about rent increases. Adams responded controversially, comparing Dubnau's behavior to treating someone on a plantation, which led to further criticism.

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 signaled an escalating conflict between the City Council and the mayor and represented a turning point in their relationship.

July 2023: Warning on Migrant Housing Crisis

In July 2023, during the New York City migrant housing crisis, Eric Adams stated 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.

August 2023: Accusation of Slow Action on Migrant Crisis

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

September 2023: Warning That 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 Investigates Adams for Alleged Turkish Influence

On November 12, 2023, The New York Times reported that the FBI was investigating 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, a lawsuit accused Adams of sexual assault by a former coworker in 1993, along with other charges like battery and employment discrimination. Adams denied the accusation, stating he did not recognize the accuser.

November 22, 2023: Sexual assault lawsuit filed

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

December 2023: Approval Rating at Record Low

In December 2023, a poll showed Eric Adams's approval rating at 28% among registered voters, marking the lowest approval rating for any mayor since 1996.

December 2023: United Federation of Teachers Files Lawsuit

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

2023: Agreement on Medicare Advantage Plan

In 2023, Eric 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. Many City retirees have protested the agreement between the Mayor and the MLC.

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

On January 30, 2024, the New York City Council overrode Mayor Adams's veto of the How Many Stops Act, led by Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. The new law limits solitary confinement in city jails and requires police officers to document detailed notes of encounters with the public.

March 18, 2024: Legal complaint filed detailing alleged 1993 sexual assault

On March 18, 2024, a legal complaint related to the sexual assault lawsuit was filed, alleging that in 1993, Eric Adams sexually assaulted a woman after she was allegedly passed over for a promotion.

March 19, 2024: Denial of Accusation

On March 19, 2024, Eric Adams denied the sexual assault accusation, asserting he had conducted himself with dignity during his 40 years in public life.

May 21, 2024: Adams Creates Charter Revision Commission

On May 21, 2024, Adams established a Charter Revision Commission to propose changes to the New York City Charter. The commission released five proposals to be voted on in November, drawing criticism for allegedly undermining the City Council's power.

September 2024: Adams Arraigned and Faces Calls for Resignation

In September 2024, Adams was arraigned in federal court, pleading not guilty. Several Democratic leaders, including U.S. Representative Jerry Nadler and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, called for his resignation, and some officials suggested New York Governor Kathy Hochul remove him from office.

September 2024: Indicted on Federal Charges

In September 2024, Eric Adams was indicted on federal charges of bribery, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations. He pleaded not guilty and alleged retaliation for opposing the Biden administration's migrant crisis handling.

September 2024: Police Commissioner and Chief Counsel Leave Administration

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

September 2024: Investigations Emerge into Adams's Administration

In September 2024, a series of investigations emerged into Adams's administration, highlighting increased scrutiny and potential legal challenges.

September 25, 2024: Adams Indicted on Federal Charges

On September 25, 2024, Adams was indicted on federal charges, becoming the first New York City mayor to be charged with federal crimes while in office. The charges include bribery, conspiracy, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations.

October 4, 2024: Timothy Pearson Leaves Position

As of October 4, 2024, Timothy Pearson, a senior advisor to Adams, left his position. Pearson was the subject of complaints of battery and sexual harassment.

October 7, 2024: Mohamed Bahi Resigns and Is Arrested

On October 7, 2024, Mohamed Bahi, Adams's chief liaison to the Muslim community, resigned and was subsequently arrested on charges related to witness tampering and destruction of evidence in connection with the Southern District of New York’s investigation into Adams’ 2021 campaign.

October 2024: Multiple Resignations Amidst Federal Scrutiny

In October 2024, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, Director of Asian Affairs Winnie Greco, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, and Schools Chancellor David Banks all resigned. Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan also left his position in October 2024; these resignations occurred amidst federal investigations and scrutiny.

October 2024: Approval Rating at 26% Amid Investigations

In October 2024, amidst multiple investigations, a poll found Eric Adams's approval rating to be 26%, with most respondents believing he had committed illegal acts and should resign.

December 2024: Lewis-Martin Resigns; Maddrey Resigns Amid Misconduct Accusations

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

December 2024: Vote Scheduled for Third 'City of Yes' Proposal

In December 2024, a vote is scheduled for the third 'City of Yes' proposal, intended to allow 'a little more housing in every neighborhood'. This proposal aims to address the New York City housing shortage but faces opposition due to concerns about changes in low-density neighborhoods.

February 10, 2025: DOJ Instructs Prosecutors to Drop Charges

On February 10, 2025, the Department of Justice under President Trump instructed federal prosecutors to drop charges against Adams, citing concerns that the case was affecting his ability to govern. Danielle Sassoon, the U.S. Attorney in charge, refused to dismiss the charges and later resigned, accusing the administration of an illicit deal. Key officials in the Department of Justice's Public Integrity Section also resigned.

February 2025: Charges Dropped by Department of Justice

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

March 2025: Approval Rating Further Declines to 20%

By March 2025, another poll indicated Eric Adams's approval rating had further declined to just 20%.

April 2025: Indictment Dismissed with Prejudice

In April 2025, Judge Dale Ho dismissed Adams's indictment with prejudice, noting that the court could not force the Department of Justice to prosecute, but clarified that the dismissal did not express an opinion on Adams's guilt or innocence.

November 2025: Further Review of Adams's Case

In November 2025, a further review of Adams’s case was scheduled following the general election, but the charges were to be dropped before that time.

2025: Adams Runs for Reelection Amidst Federal Indictment

In 2025, Adams announced his reelection campaign amidst a federal indictment, facing multiple challengers and low polling numbers in the Democratic primary. Polls indicated that former New York governor Andrew Cuomo led among Democratic voters.