Statement from NYC Comptroller Lander Demanding Mayor Adams Recuse Himself from Responding to Trump’s Sanctuary City Threats

New York, NY – Following the Trump Administration’s new executive order targeting sanctuary cities, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander issued the following statement, calling on Mayor Eric Adams to recuse himself from any role in defending the City’s sanctuary laws and delegate to Corporation Counsel: 

“Just weeks after dropping corruption charges against Mayor Adams, Trump escalated his attacks on New York City with an executive order targeting sanctuary cities like ours. This timing raises some deeply troubling questions regarding the independence of Mayor Adams’ decision-making. His public coziness with Trump allies like Tom Homan only deepens my concern.

“In light of this, I’m calling on Mayor Adams to formally recuse himself from any role in defending New York City’s sanctuary city policies. It is unacceptable for someone who appears to have benefited from a quid-pro-quo with Trump to lead in the City’s response to this federal assault.

“When public officials cannot, in good conscience, represent the City’s interests with full independence, they should recuse themselves. This legal and political crisis demands principled leadership and moral clarity. New Yorkers deserve someone they can trust to protect our sanctuary status, our budget, and our integrity. Mayor Adams forfeited that trust and must step aside in favor of someone who can stand up to Trump’s bullying.”

###