On December 17, 2024, during a meeting with Tom Homan, the Border Affairs Chief appointed by the new administration, New York City Mayor Adams received high praise from the new government official. Homan stated that Adams showed more concern for “social security” rather than “politics,” and fully “understood” his point of view, almost making a “180-degree turn.” It was rumored on Monday (December 16) that President-elect Trump may pardon Adams, who is facing charges of “abusing power for corrupt practices.”
President Trump expressed the possibility of pardoning New York City Mayor Adams at an unrelated press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Monday. However, he mentioned that he has not completely reviewed the evidence against Adams.
“He believes he has been treated unfairly,” said Trump. “I will definitely consider” the possibility of pardoning Adams.
This is not the first time Trump has shown support for Adams. Back in October, before the election, during a charity dinner sponsored by the New York City Catholic Church, Trump commented that Adams had openly criticized the federal government’s border policies due to a large influx of refugees into the city, leading to retaliation.
“Nine and a half months ago, I said: if he speaks badly about the government, he will be indicted at any time,” Trump said. “Look what happened? But you will win, I believe you will win the lawsuit, I know you will win, good luck, I don’t like what they are doing.”
Trump added, “Mayor, they caught me too, and compared to what they did to me, what they are doing to you is minor… You’ll be fine.”
Following the meeting with Adams last week, Trump’s Border Affairs Chief Homan praised Adams in the media and called on Democratic mayors and governors of cities like Chicago to learn from New York.
However, in New York City, Adams may face potential obstacles from the City Council and the governor in terms of weakening the ability of “sanctuary cities” and cooperating with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“He understood, he proved it today, as the mayor of New York City, he cares more about public safety than politics,” Homan told Fox News host Sean Hannity. “He wants to help ICE eliminate street crime threats, help ICE find criminals and over 340,000 missing children who pose a threat to national security, many of whom are in New York City.”
During the press conference on the day of the meeting, Adams informed reporters that his legal team is working on legal aspects to allow the New York City law enforcement department to collaborate with ICE through mayoral executive orders to combat criminals among illegal immigrants, including restoring ICE offices at Rikers Island.
“I believe New York City will become safer,” Homan said. “I think New York City is about to send a strong message.”
Homan also told Fox that he hopes other sanctuary cities like Chicago will follow in Adams’ footsteps.