Mayor Adams Criticizes Biden Justice Department for Political Targeting

In a candid interview on Fox News’ “The Story,” outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams shared his perspective on what he perceives as the weaponization of the justice system under the Biden administration. Speaking from both personal experience and his observations of broader patterns, Adams expressed concerns about how federal law enforcement agencies have targeted political opponents. His comments come in the wake of his own experience with federal corruption charges that were ultimately dismissed after the Trump administration took office, lending a deeply personal dimension to his criticism of what he termed “lawfare.”

Adams drew parallels between his own case and other high-profile incidents, including the FBI raid on former President Donald Trump’s residence and investigations targeting parents who advocated for their children’s education. “I think what we have witnessed under President Biden’s Justice Department, Americans should never have to live through that again,” Adams declared. He specifically mentioned conservative activist Charlie Kirk as another example of what he sees as politically motivated targeting. The mayor suggested that political disagreements should be settled through debate rather than legal action, arguing that the Justice Department under Biden demonstrated a pattern of using the legal system as a weapon against political adversaries.

When asked if his views on Justice Department overreach predated his own legal troubles, Adams emphasized his lifelong commitment to fighting injustice within the criminal justice system. Drawing on his background as a police officer, state senator, and borough president, he pointed to his “rich history” of advocacy for reform. “Yes, that anger was there long before I was a target,” Adams explained, “but what I saw happen while I was the mayor is really deplorable, and we saw what happened to President Trump’s family as well.” For Adams, his personal experience with federal charges only reinforced convictions he had developed throughout his career, particularly stemming from his own experiences with law enforcement as a young man.

The mayor’s indictment in September 2024 included serious federal corruption charges related to bribery, wire fraud, and allegedly accepting illegal foreign campaign contributions from Turkish officials and businessmen. Throughout the legal proceedings, Adams maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges while consistently characterizing the case as politically motivated retaliation for his criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of illegal immigration. Federal prosecutors countered this narrative, noting in court filings that their investigation had actually begun in September 2021, before Adams was elected mayor and before his public criticism of federal immigration policies. Nevertheless, the charges were ultimately dropped earlier this year at the request of the Trump administration, fueling debate about the political dimensions of the case.

Adams’ critique of the Justice Department reflects broader concerns among conservatives about the politicization of federal law enforcement agencies. His comments tap into a narrative that has gained significant traction among right-leaning Americans who believe federal institutions have been deployed against political opponents rather than operating in a neutral, apolitical manner. By framing his own legal battles within this larger context, Adams positioned himself as someone who has not only observed but personally experienced what he describes as systematic abuse of power. His perspective is particularly notable given his background in law enforcement and his identity as a Democratic mayor criticizing a Democratic administration.

As Adams prepares to leave office and hand the reins to Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, his reflections on the justice system highlight the complex intersection of law and politics in contemporary America. His comments raise important questions about the proper role of federal law enforcement in a polarized political environment and the potential for abuse when investigating political figures. While supporters may see Adams’ experience as evidence of politically motivated prosecution, critics might point to the initial evidence that prompted the investigation. Regardless of one’s perspective on the specific cases he referenced, Adams’ interview underscores the ongoing debate about maintaining both accountability and fairness in how justice is administered to public officials across the political spectrum.