During a radio interview Friday, Mayor Eric Adams on Friday was being defiant amid calls from his political opponents to resign.

“I’m not stepping down. I’m stepping up for the people of the city," he said.


What You Need To Know

  • This week, Molly Schaeffer, director of the mayor's Office for Asylum Seeker Operations, was served a subpoena

  • On Thursday, news broke that federal authorities issued a subpoena to a Brooklyn Catholic church with ties to Mayor Eric Adams’ former chief of staff, Frank Carone

  • As the controversies grow, Adams is determined more than ever not to seem distracted

  • Despite all the probes and the latest round of subpoenas, no one has been accused of wrongdoing 

A handful of state and local lawmakers say Adams should step down amid the multiple federal probes, one of which is reportedly centered on the mayor’s 2021 campaign finances.

Those calling on the mayor to resign include Councilmember Tiffany Cabán, a progressive lawmaker.

“When you take the comments of many of those who are saying, 'Oh, you need to step down. You need to step aside.' They were saying that January 3, 2022. They have not stopped saying that," she said. 

Adams compared this challenging time in his administration to the misfortunes of Job, a long-suffering man in the Bible.

“I was in church two weeks ago and I talk about these job moments. Those of us who have any spiritual foundation, you are challenged in life and when you are challenged in life you lean into your faith, and you know who you are as a person, and you stay committed and focused," he said. 

This week, the scope of the federal investigations into the Adams administration grew. 

On Thursday, news broke that federal authorities issued a subpoena to a Brooklyn Catholic church with ties to Adams’ former chief of staff, Frank Carone. The development was first reported by WNBC. The subpoena is reportedly looking for business dealings between Carone and the head priest.

In a statement on Friday, the press secretary for the Diocese of Brooklyn said: “We cannot confirm or deny receipt of a subpoena. What I can say is the Diocese is fully committed to cooperating with law enforcement in all investigations, including of conduct at individual parishes or involving any priest.”

Carone remains a close confidante of Adams and has helped raise thousands of dollars for the mayor’s reelection campaign.

Adams had one public event on Friday. He initially cancelled the appearance but later attended on short notice.

“Frank is a dear friend, a good New Yorker and he has really dedicated his life to helping everyday New Yorkers and I hope he continues to do that," he said.

Separately, on Friday morning, the city’s Director for Asylum Seeker Operations Molly Schaeffer was subpoenaed. It's unclear what the scope of the information request is and if it's related to the ongoing probes.

In a statement, Deputy Mayor for Communications Fabien Levy said: “While we won’t comment on an ongoing investigation, as we have repeatedly said, we expect all team members to fully comply with any ongoing inquiry. Molly Schaeffer is an integral part of our team and works hard every day to deliver for New Yorkers.”

As the controversies grow, it seems Adams is determined more than ever not to seem distracted.

“I'm a New Yorker. New Yorkers don't quit. New Yorkers fulfill their obligation[s] and responsibilities. And that's what I'm going to do," he said.

Despite the ongoing probes, no one has been accused of any wrongdoing.