Eric Adams revealed to podcast host Tucker Carlson that aides to former President Joe Biden told the New York mayor that he should just “be a good Democrat” over concerns about how illegal immigration was affecting the city.
The embattled mayor’s latest interview comes after he butted heads with the previous administration’s view on illegal immigration, with Adams stating in December 2024 that he intends to work with the new administration to combat the issue. In detailing the Big Apple’s dilemma with illegal immigrants, Adams told Carlson that “Venezuelan gang leaders” have been coming to the city, likely referring to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which President Donald Trump called for the removal of on his first day back in the White House.
Carlson asked Adams what Biden and his aides told the mayor when he informed them about the impacts of illegal immigration on New York, to which Adams responded, “Be a good Democrat, Eric,” prompting Carlson to repeat the answer in surprise.
The Eric Adams interview. Out tonight. pic.twitter.com/KSFUrEaTxM
— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) January 21, 2025
The preview for Carlson’s interview with Adams also showed the mayor reflecting on people telling him, “You don’t sound like a Democrat,” and that it felt as if he had left the Democratic Party. However, Adams argued that “the party left me” and left behind the working class.
Last month, speculation grew over the possibility of Adams joining the Republican Party, as he claimed that he was “part of the American party.” Adams pushed back against this idea in a press conference, saying he was still a “true-blue” Democrat while also being a “true blue-collar” worker.
Carlson’s full interview with the New York mayor will be uploaded to X on Tuesday night.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Adams accepted a last-minute invitation to attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday, claiming he did so to show how serious he is about helping his city with the federal government’s assistance. The mayor added that Trump “loves” New York and that he intends to collaborate with the new president to ensure that the city is safe.
The mayor was indicted on five counts, ranging from bribery to solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national, last year, to which he has speculated with talk show host Dr. Phil that “something is just not right” about these indictments. Adams insisted that he did not discuss his legal troubles with Trump during a recent visit to Mar-a-Lago, though Trump stated in December 2024 that he would “certainly” consider pardoning the mayor.