Republicans know how it feels.
House Speaker Mike Johnson recently weighed in on the controversies surrounding New York City Mayor Eric Adams, suggesting that Adams may have inadvertently placed himself in the crosshairs of the Department of Justice due to his outspoken stance on the ongoing migrant crisis and the Biden administration’s border policies.
During a campaign event for GOP congressional candidate Alison Esposito in upstate New York, Johnson addressed the implications of a potential Donald Trump-led DOJ on Adams’ legal troubles. “I’m not an expert on the specifics of what he’s facing,” Johnson noted. “However, it’s clear that Mayor Adams has voiced his frustrations with the open-border policies and the flood of illegal immigration affecting New York City. His pushback against these issues could be a factor in the legal scrutiny he’s now experiencing.”
Adams has been vocally critical of the federal government’s handling of immigration, highlighting the significant burden placed on New York City, which has incurred over $5 billion in expenses related to the migrant influx. Just last month, he hinted that his candid critiques of the Biden administration’s policies might have contributed to the federal charges he now faces. “I’ve spent my life fighting for justice,” he remarked. “Despite our appeals, the federal government turned a blind eye as its flawed immigration policies overwhelmed our shelters. I prioritized the needs of New Yorkers over party lines.”
This comes in the wake of a criminal indictment from the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office, accusing Adams of accepting bribes, including lavish perks from Turkish nationals, in exchange for political favors. Adams has denied these allegations, pleading not guilty.
As immigration remains a critical issue in the upcoming 2024 presidential race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, Johnson’s comments underscore the urgency and complexity of the current political landscape. With key congressional races approaching, such as Esposito’s contest against Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan in New York’s 18th District, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Republicans looking to regain control of the House.