From Bubble Baths to Federal Indictments: The Rise and Fall of Eric Adams
Eric Adams promised New Yorkers a mayor unlike any other—and delivered a tenure so bizarre, brazen, and scandal-plagued that even his allies admit: there will never be another like him.
A Mayor Like No Other
Adams’ mayoralty was defined by contradictions: a former police captain who claimed to take bubble baths with roses; a self-proclaimed “pragmatic moderate” who flirted with MAGA politics; a luxury-loving leader who rode subways unannounced while under federal investigation.
Timeline of a Turbulent Tenure
- 2021: Elected mayor on a platform of public safety and economic revival.
- 2023: Accused of accepting free luxury travel from the Turkish government.
- Early 2025: Attends Trump’s inauguration amid federal corruption charges.
- September 2025: Drops re-election bid after campaign collapses under scandal.
Key Controversies That Defined His Mayoralty
| Issue | Description | Public Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Indictment | Accused of accepting free/discounted travel from Turkish officials in exchange for favors. | Widespread calls for resignation; “Resiiiiign!” shouted on subways. |
| MAGA Alignment | Praised Trump, aided deportation efforts, avoided criticizing the president. | Alienated Democratic base; seen as political opportunism. |
| Luxury Lifestyle | Dined at Rao’s with Trump allies; wore custom “MAYOR”-branded attire. | Critics called it tone-deaf amid housing and migrant crises. |
| Unpredictable Behavior | Claimed to carry a gun in church; mused about bubble baths with roses. | Became viral fodder; eroded public trust in seriousness of office. |
Infographic: The Two Faces of Eric Adams
What Allies and Critics Say
“He says, ‘Well, I hear you. But you know me. I’m going to do me.’” — Rev. Al Sharpton, recalling a 2021 warning
“Why do I keep winning? Because I’m a winner.” — Eric Adams, pre-election interview
Even supporters now acknowledge that Adams’ refusal to conform to norms—political, ethical, or stylistic—ultimately doomed his re-election and legacy.
[INTERNAL_LINK:new_york_city_politics] | [INTERNAL_LINK:federal_corruption_cases_nyc]
