UPDATE: Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams made headlines this week as he concluded his term with a series of bold and controversial statements. In a whirlwind finale, Adams hit back at television host Andy Cohen, who criticized him during a live New Year’s Eve broadcast, and proposed using cryptocurrency to combat antisemitism.
On his last day in office, December 29, 2023, Adams vetoed 19 bills passed by the City Council, including a significant street-vendor reform package aimed at granting 21,000 new licenses to vendors. This veto sparked backlash from council members, with Speaker Adrienne Adams’s office voicing concerns over the late decisions.
Adams also announced the formation of a commission to review the city’s charter, focusing on enhancing government transparency and responsiveness. This move comes amidst a backdrop of dissatisfaction from the City Council regarding his executive actions.
In a fiery exchange on CNN, Cohen urged Adams to “go dance away” after his tenure, suggesting that he should “fiddle with what we have left.” Adams responded by addressing Cohen’s public intoxication, stating, “If anyone actually cares about him, they’ll tell him to get help. Public intoxication is a disease.”
Looking ahead, Adams expressed his desire to continue fighting antisemitism, stating he plans to leverage blockchain technology for educational initiatives. As he transitions to private life, he quipped about enjoying luxury, saying, “I can fly private now, I can go on a cruise. I can hang out in St. Barts.”
As New Yorkers reflect on Adams’s controversial term, the focus now shifts to the incoming administration and whether it can address the challenges left behind. With tensions high and public sentiment mixed, the future of New York City governance remains uncertain as the new mayor prepares to take office.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it unfolds in the coming days.
