NYC Mayor secretly met with pro-Erdogan group during FBI probe
NYC Mayor’s Unreported Meeting with Pro-Erdogan Group
FILE PHOTO: New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks during a press conference amid an election fundraising controversy at City Hall in Manhattan in New York City, U.S., Nov. 14, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Segar//File Photo
New York City mayor Eric Adams (D.) had a secret meeting with a pro-Erdogan Turkish group last year, while his campaign was under investigation by the FBI over potential funding from the Turkish government.
The Turkish American National Steering Committee organized an event on October 9, which participants described as a fundraiser for Adams’s 2025 reelection campaign, according to a recent report from the New York Daily News. Adams and one of his aides attended the event. As reported by the Washington Free Beacon, the Turkish-American advocacy groups have ties to Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with members of Erdogan’s family founding the group. The group has also faced accusations of supporting American candidates who may favor Erdogan.
According to the Daily News, New York City laws require candidates to report any “intermediaries” who host fundraisers where donors contribute over $500, but Adams’s campaign failed to do so. The campaign also did not file other necessary paperwork related to the event.
A campaign lawyer confirmed the occurrence of the event to the Daily News, but did not clarify whether it was considered a fundraiser or explain why intermediaries were not reported.
The meeting took place in October while the FBI was investigating whether the Turkish government illegally provided funds to Adams’s 2021 mayoral campaign. A month after the meeting, the bureau seized Adams’s phones as part of the ongoing probe, which began in spring 2023. Adams has not been accused of any wrongdoing in this case.
When asked if he would step aside from his position if indicted, Adams dismissed the question, stating, “I think it’s ridiculous for somebody to say, ‘if there’s an indictment,'” in an interview with a local TV station. He expressed confidence in the due process system and affirmed his commitment to serving as the mayor of New York City.
What implications does the revelation of this unreported meeting have on the ongoing FBI investigation into allegations of illegal funding from foreign entities in Adams’s campaign?
Had-unreported-meeting-with-pro-erdogan-group-amid-fbi-investigation/article_8af2e87b-1eef-5f56-aaf1-c5d678d445a9.html”>New York Times.
The meeting was attended by prominent members of the Turkish community in New York City, as well as representatives from various Turkish organizations. The attendees included individuals with close ties to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling AK Party. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss current issues affecting the Turkish community in the city and to garner support for Adams’s reelection campaign.
However, what is concerning is that Adams failed to disclose this meeting to the public and it only came to light due to the ongoing FBI investigation into his campaign’s financial activities. This raises questions about transparency and accountability in his administration.
The FBI has been investigating allegations of potential illegal funding from foreign entities, including the Turkish government, into Adams’s campaign. The revelation of this unreported meeting adds another layer to the investigation, with implications of possible undisclosed foreign influence on the mayor’s reelection campaign.
While it is not unusual for politicians to meet with various interest groups and communities, it is essential for these meetings to be transparent and properly reported. Failure to disclose such meetings undermines the public’s trust and raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest. It is crucial for elected officials to uphold the highest ethical standards and be held accountable for their actions.
Furthermore, the timing of this meeting is significant. It took place while Adams’s campaign was under investigation by the FBI, which indicates a lack of judgment on his part. Meeting with a group connected to a foreign government, particularly when there are ongoing concerns about potential illegal funding, raises serious questions about Adams’s integrity and decision-making abilities.
This unreported meeting may have serious political implications for Adams. It not only puts a stain on his reputation but also undermines his credibility as the mayor of New York City. The public deserves transparency and honesty from their elected officials, and the failure to disclose this meeting raises doubts about Adams’s commitment to these principles.
In conclusion, the unreported meeting between New York City mayor Eric Adams and a pro-Erdogan Turkish group raises concerns about transparency, accountability, and foreign influence in his administration. The failure to disclose this meeting undermines the public’s trust and raises serious questions about Adams’s integrity. It is crucial for elected officials to be transparent and accountable for their actions, especially in the face of ongoing investigations. The outcome of this investigation will undoubtedly have significant political consequences for Adams and his mayoralty.
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