Representative Claudia Tenney (R-NY) has accused the Department of Justice (DOJ) of using Mayor Eric Adams' indictment as a political weapon, claiming the timing is linked to his criticism of President Biden's immigration policies. Tenney and other Republicans have voiced concerns that the DOJ’s actions are part of a broader trend of targeting those who defy the administration.
Mayor Adams, who was indicted on charges of bribery and soliciting illegal campaign contributions, is now at the center of a federal probe. The DOJ’s indictment alleges that Adams took bribes from foreign sources and engaged in fraudulent activities, a scandal that could lead to severe legal consequences if he is convicted. While the charges are serious, many on the right, including Tenney, question why these alleged crimes, dating back several years, are only now being pursued.
✖️52,058 arrests of illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds
✖️300,000 illegal immigrant children LOST
✖️48,480 lbs of fentanyl seized over the last two years, enough to kill over 458 million peopleBorder Czar Harris' policies aren't "humane." They are deadly pic.twitter.com/ET5Cv5CRw8
— Rep. Claudia Tenney (@RepTenney) September 27, 2024
Tenney believes the charges are politically motivated, coming shortly after Adams openly criticized the Biden administration's handling of the border crisis. New York City has struggled under the weight of an influx of migrants, a situation Adams publicly attributed to the federal government's lax border policies. His criticisms garnered significant media attention, making him one of the first prominent Democrats to break ranks on the immigration issue.
The timing of the indictment has raised eyebrows among Adams' supporters and critics alike. Some Republicans, including Tenney, argue that the DOJ has a pattern of targeting individuals who oppose the current administration, pointing to similar investigations of former President Trump and other high-profile conservatives. “It’s interesting that most of these charges are eight years old,” Tenney said. “Why weren’t they prosecuted then? Because the Democrats needed to have him win an election. Now they don’t want their guy in office”.
If the Trump Tax Cuts expire, the average taxpayer in #NY24 will face a 25% tax increase.
This won’t just devastate New York’s economy; it will ripple across the entire country.
We cannot afford to let the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act expire. pic.twitter.com/YFj43JPGlG
— Rep. Claudia Tenney (@RepTenney) September 23, 2024
Many Republicans view the indictment as part of a broader issue of a "weaponized" DOJ, an accusation they have also made concerning the handling of Trump-related investigations. Radio host Clay Travis suggested that Adams became a target after his sharp critique of Biden’s policies, leading to increased scrutiny from federal investigators. "The investigation into Adams ramped up only after he dared to criticize Biden for the illegal immigrant mess," Travis tweeted.
Adams, for his part, maintains his innocence and has vowed to fight the charges. Speaking at a press conference outside Gracie Mansion, the New York mayor defended his record and expressed his determination to clear his name. "New Yorkers know my story. I’ve been fighting injustice my entire life," he stated, while requesting a speedy trial to resolve the matter.
Despite calls from some quarters for him to resign, including from progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Adams has no intention of stepping down. However, the possibility of a temporary successor looms should he be forced out. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, known for his progressive views and support for defunding the police, would serve as interim mayor if Adams is removed from office.
Democratic strategists have dismissed claims that the indictment is politically motivated, arguing that it demonstrates the independence of the DOJ. "The Right can’t have it both ways," said one Democratic adviser, criticizing Republicans for portraying Biden as both incompetent and all-powerful at the same time.
