Eric Adams, the embattled mayor of New York City indicted on federal corruption charges, insists he's heading to Mar-a-Lago to cement a partnership with the incoming president.
But cynical social media users weren't buying his explanation Thursday — and suggested he may be making the trip in search of a pardon.
Fabien Levy, spokesman for the Democratic mayor, told The New York Times in an email that Adams is meeting with the incoming president Thursday evening.
"Mayor Adams has made quite clear his willingness to work with President-elect Trump and his incoming administration on behalf of New Yorkers — and that partnership with the federal government is critical to New York City’s success," Levy said.
But Adams' cozying up to Trump has been met with criticism in recent weeks and months from Democrats, who question his timing and motivation.
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Adams has been charged as part of a federal investigation into bribery, wire fraud, and receiving illegal campaign contributions from foreign nationals. Authorities said he accepted over $100,000 in luxury travel perks, such as opulent hotel stays and flight upgrades, from Turkish nationals and a government representative. He's also accused of pressuring the New York City Fire Department to approve a new high-rise for the Turkish Consulate General despite safety concerns.
Social media critics suggested Thursday evening the meet-and-greet may not have the city's best interests in mind as much as his own.
"It's such a relief to know that the mayor is spending every waking moment looking out for the people of New York," a sarcastic Noah Shachtman, contributing writer at Rolling Stone and Wired, wrote on Bluesky.
Shachtman added: "And thank God that Trump and his team aren't laughing at Eric Adams for being so 'thirsty' for a pardon."
"We’re really on a speed run, aren’t we?" wrote legal expert Chris Geidner on Bluesky above a screenshot of the news.
"NYC coulda had Maya Wiley..." lamented Wajahat Ali co-host of The Democracy-Ish Podcast.
"Eric Adams is heading to Mar-a-Lago to meet with Donald Trump? He's begging for a pardon, isn't he? SMH," wrote the social media account Art Candee on Bluesky.
"Mayor Eric Adams is going down to Mar-a-Lago to kiss the ring!" exclaimed Lauren Ashley Davis of Meidas Touch on Bluesky.
"will NYC have a Republican Mayor heading into Election Day?" questioned Politics Politics Politics podcast host Justin Robert Young.
"Pardon?" questioned Democratic strategist David Axelrod.
Correction: A previous version of this article misidentified the owner of the social media account "Art Candee." This article has been updated.