NYC Mayor Eric Adams attends Donald Trump's inauguration after last-minute invite
NEW YORK -- Mayor Eric Adams abruptly canceled appearances at Martin Luther King Jr. Day events Monday in New York City to attend President Donald Trump's inauguration.
Adams accepted a last-minute invitation to Washington, D.C., which opened a Pandora's box of criticism from other New York leaders.
Mayor accepts last-minute invitation to President Donald Trump's inauguration
Steve Witkoff, the president's envoy to the Middle East, invited Adams to the ceremony. Witkoff was present when Adams met with Mr. Trump at the president's Palm Beach, Florida golf club last week.
"In the early hours of Monday morning, the Trump administration reached out inviting Mayor Adams to attend the inauguration at the incoming administration's request. Mayor Adams accepted on behalf of New York City," a spokesperson for the mayor posted on social media.
Adams, who is hoping for a better relationship with Mr. Trump than he had with former President Joe Biden, called the inauguration "a sacred American tradition."
"On MLK Day, like Reverend Dr. King said, we must put partisan politics aside to do what's best for our country," Adams posted on X.
He was seated next to Nebraska cattle producer Charles W. Herbster, among other notable guests, in an overflow room for the inauguration ceremony.
Adams criticized for canceling MLK Jr. Day appearances
The mayor's decision to start driving to the nation's capital at 3 a.m. provoked an avalanche of criticism from officials back in New York City.
"Every time I think I can't be more stunningly disappointed with this mayor, he says yes you can," New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said.
Critics questioned whether it was enlightened self-interest on the part of Adams, who is scheduled to go on trial for corruption charges in April.
"Eric Adams had a chance to do a meeting with President Biden to address the migrant crisis. He canceled on that to rush back home because his friends were being raided. Eric Adams today decided to cancel on New Yorkers because Donald Trump beckoned for him to come down. He is making it very clear, what Eric cares more about is making sure that he does not go to jail," said Former Assembly Member Michael Blake, a Democrat running for mayor against Adams.
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams called out the mayor, who was supposed to give remarks at the 39th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. tribute at Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM).
"Some that should be here, celebrating Dr. King with us in this room have chosen to go to Washington to celebrate felon 47," Speaker Adams said.
Rev. Dr. James Kilgore, president of the Baptist Ministers Conference for Greater New York, took a backhanded shot while introducing Gov. Kathy Hochul.
"She was sharing with me how wonderful it was that she would be here in Harlem with us rather than Washington, D.C." Kilgore said.
Adams recently met with Trump in Florida
Last week, the mayor met with Mr. Trump in Florida, where sources said they spent about an hour discussing immigration and other issues.
In a statement, Adams said they "had a productive conversation about New York's needs and what's best for our city, and how the federal government can play a more helpful role in improving the lives of New Yorkers."
As CBS News New York's Marcia Kramer has reported, Trump's first days in office will be focused on border security, the economy and what he calls "restoring common sense." New Yorkers will be closely watching his mass deportation plan and changes to birthright citizenship, as well as what it means for the northern border with Canada and the status of the state and local tax deduction, known as SALT.
Meanwhile, Adams' attorney asked a judge to dismiss the federal indictment against him, because of an op-ed written by the prosecutor who brought the charges in the case.
Alex Spiro cited a column written by former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams, saying it trashes both the mayor and members of city government. He argued the comments would interfere with Adams receiving a fair trial.
The mayor was indicted last year on federal bribery and campaign finance charges, and several members of his administration came under investigation and resigned or retired. He pleaded not guilty and said he would not step down, insisting he could still run the city.
Mr. Trump has said he would consider pardoning Adams once he takes office.
Hochul directs flags to full staff for inauguration
Hochul ordered flags to be raised to full staff for the inauguration. Flags have been lowered since Dec. 29 in honor of late President Jimmy Carter.
In a statement, the governor said, in part, "We are all Americans as we observe the centuries-old traditions of inauguration day," adding, "regardless of your political views, the American tradition of the peaceful transition of power is something to celebrate."
Hochul said flags will be lowered again Tuesday to continue the 30-day mourning period for Carter.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said he canceled his trip to the inauguration while the state is digging out from a snowstorm.
