On Monday, President-elect Trump indicated he would consider granting a presidential pardon to indicted New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D), who faces criminal charges related to a federal corruption probe initiated in September.
“Yeah, I would,” Trump responded when asked about the possibility of pardoning Adams, stating, “I think that he was treated pretty unfairly.” Adams, who has pleaded not guilty, is charged with wire fraud, soliciting foreign contributions, and bribery. “I don’t know the facts,” Trump acknowledged, adding, “I would certainly look at it.”
Federal charges against Adams prompt Trump to question fairness
The allegations against Adams involve accepting discounted and upgraded international flights from Turkish Airlines. Trump remarked that reporters present during the press conference might also have experienced similar airline upgrades.
“It seems, you know, like being upgraded in an airplane many years ago — I know probably everybody here has been upgraded. They see you’re all stars, they say, ‘I want to upgrade that person from NBC,’ and that would mean you’ll spend the rest of your life in prison,” he quipped.
Previously, Trump has shown support for Adams, describing him as “honest” back in September. Adams has expressed a desire to collaborate with the president-elect and, when asked last month about discussing a pardon with Trump, indicated that his legal team would manage his case.
During his first four years in office, Trump issued 144 pardons and has indicated he would offer clemency to some supporters upon his return to power, including individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
