Ending a weeklong self-imposed sick leave, Mayor Eric Adams appeared in public Thursday, speaking defiantly and brushing aside speculation that he may be considering resigning as his federal corruption trial looms this spring.

“Who started that stupid rumor that I was stepping down on Friday? Are you out of your mind?” Adams said, vocally defending his mayoralty during an interfaith breakfast at the New York Public Library.

“You know what’s fascinating? You have to be of a great level of wisdom to understand what is playing out on the stage of politics in New York City.”

What You Need To Know

  • Adams was expected to be away from the public eye all week. On Sunday, his team cited an undisclosed medical issue

  • But then, he hosted the powerful union leaders of local 32BJ and the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council at his Upper East Side residence

  • Adams’s defense team appeared in federal court on Wednesday — without the mayor. Then, news broke that his attorneys are discussing dropping his five-count criminal indictment with the U.S. Southern District of New York

Adams was expected to be away from the public eye all week. On Sunday, his team cited an undisclosed medical issue. But then, he hosted the powerful union leaders of local 32BJ and the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council at his Upper East Side residence.

Adams’s defense team appeared in federal court on Wednesday — without the mayor.

Then, news broke that his attorneys are discussing dropping his five-count criminal indictment with the U.S. Southern District of New York.

“How do you print a rumor that I’m resigning on Friday, but don’t print the facts that we had more jobs in the city’s history on that same day — not one tabloid covered it!” Adams said.

Before a group of faith leaders, Adams defiantly listed what he sees as his administration’s accomplishments: including the handling of the migrant crisis.

“No one wants to cover what we have done because it’s you! They want to keep the symbol that we ordinary, working-class people can’t run a city of this level of complexity!” he said.

Largely steering clear of criticizing President Donald Trump, Adams lunched with him in Florida before attending his inauguration.

The Republican president can pardon Adams if he’s convicted during his currently scheduled trial in April of crimes including bribery and soliciting donations from foreign nationals.

“I know what it is to be called names. I know what it is to be mocked. I know what it is to be laughed at. I know what it is to have detax spectators sit in the bleachers while you’re on the field, fighting these real battles and producing success. I know all this before. Get on line if you got a sign,” Adams said.

The mayor also faces a crowded Democratic primary election in June.