Feds probing NYC mayor's contact with 6 foreign governments

Summary

The federal investigation into New York City Mayor Eric Adams has expanded, with new subpoenas issued related to donations made to his campaign and his connections with foreign governments. The investigation reportedly began with a probe into whether illegal donations were made to pressure the approval of a Turkish consulate. Despite the scrutiny, Mayor Adams remains defiant, asserting his commitment to fighting for the city. The mayor's lawyer has pledged full cooperation with law enforcement inquiries, while Adams denies any wrongdoing. Separately, Dr. Ashwin Vassan, a key city official, has resigned for personal reasons.

Takeaways

• 🕵️‍♂️ The federal investigation into Mayor Adams is expanding.
• 📰 The investigation focuses on donations made to his campaign and contacts with foreign governments.
• 📅 The investigation began last November and has now intensified with a new round of subpoenas this summer.
• 💬 Mayor Adams expressed defiance, stating that he will continue fighting for New York City.
• 🏛️ The investigation is believed to stem from allegations regarding illegal donations to Adams' campaign.
• 🇹🇷 The probe is examining whether the campaign received illegal donations to pressure the Fire Department to approve a new Turkish consulate in Manhattan.
• ✈️ The feds are also investigating free flights and upgrades Mayor Adams received on Turkish Airlines.
• 📑 Adams' lawyer confirmed they are fully complying with law enforcement inquiries but has been asked not to comment on the subpoenas' content.
• 🚨 Mayor Adams insisted he followed rules and procedures, stating he feels comfortable with his actions.
• 👨‍⚕️ In unrelated news, Dr. Ashwin Vassan, head of the city's Health Department, is stepping down for personal reasons.

Q & A

What is the central focus of the federal investigation mentioned in the transcript?

The federal investigation is focused on donations made to Mayor Adams' campaign and his contacts with foreign governments.

What new development occurred in the investigation during the summer?

During the summer, federal agents served subpoenas seeking more information related to Mayor Adams' dealings.

How did Mayor Adams respond to the ongoing investigation during his town hall in the Bronx?

Mayor Adams responded defiantly, stating that he would continue to fight for the city, just as he did when he was a police officer.

What specific issue related to foreign governments is being investigated?

The investigation is reportedly examining whether Mayor Adams' campaign received illegal donations in exchange for pressuring the Fire Department to approve a new Turkish consulate in Manhattan despite safety concerns.

How has Mayor Adams responded to allegations of wrongdoing?

Mayor Adams has maintained that he has done nothing wrong and feels comfortable with how he has complied with rules and procedures.

What was the content of the statement issued by Adams' lawyer, Levy, regarding the subpoenas?

Levy stated that they have been asked not to comment on the content of the subpoenas but reiterated that they will continue to fully comply with any law enforcement inquiry.

What perks related to Turkish Airlines have been scrutinized as part of the investigation?

The feds have examined free flights and upgrades that Mayor Adams received on Turkish Airlines.

When did the federal probe into Mayor Adams' dealings with Turkey begin?

The federal probe began last November with a raid connected to potential illegal donations related to the Turkish consulate.

Why did Mayor Adams rush back to New York from a meeting on the migrant crisis?

Mayor Adams rushed back to New York from the migrant crisis meeting due to developments in the investigation.

What unrelated personnel change occurred within Mayor Adams' administration?

Dr. Ashwin Vassan, the head of the city's health agency since March 2022, stepped down, citing personal reasons for his resignation.