Mayor Eric Adams was wearing his faith on his short sleeves Tuesday as he faced reporters for his weekly question-and-answer session.

“This outfit is not campaigning. This outfit is my life, in God we trust. I went through hell for 15 months and all I had was God," he said. 

What You Need To Know

  • Mayor Eric Adams was wearing a casual t-shirt on Tuesday with the phrase, "In God We Trust"

  • The mayor said the outfit was about bringing attention to the faith he relied on during his federal investigation and indictment 

  • Adams is looking to win a second term in office despite running as an independent. He, again, refused to criticize Trump despite the federal government terminating $188 million in migrant grants 

Last week, a Manhattan federal judge permanently dismissed the corruption case against the mayor. 

Adams said his surprisingly casual outfit was about sending a message. 

“For the last 15 months I’ve relied on one thing, I relied on God. And I will say it, I will bless the Lord at all times,” he said. “I’m standing in front of you because of my faith and all of those New Yorkers who are going through difficult times. Lean into your faith.” 

Since the charges were dropped, Adams has announced that he's skipping the June Democratic primary, and running for reelection in the November general election as an independent.

The mayor’s hopes of winning as a Democrat were slowly dimming as his previous supporters have begun to defect to his rival, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. 

Adams is hoping his unique approach will get him another term in office. 

“I’m going to appeal to my working-class base with working-class values," he said. 

With his legal challenges out of the way, Adams says he's now able to refocus on the city. 

The mayor also talked of a likely lawsuit against the federal government.

This month, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, also known as FEMA, terminated $188 million in migrant grants to the city, arguing the money is being used to support illegal immigration. 

Adams says he plans to sue for the funds but refused to criticize President Donald Trump in the process. 

“I’m not going to wait for $7 billion. I’m criticizing losing $200 million.," he said. “You want to see me fighting because of those who are just angry right now? I’m just not in that crew.” 

In an interview with Spectrum Noticias, Adams didn’t shy away from welcoming a Trump endorsement. 

“No matter who calls me and says I want to give you support, I need the support of New Yorkers. He was a longtime New Yorker, in my conversations talks about his love for this city," he said. 

“He still has a great deal of concern and interest in the city. And so I’m not part of the resistance," Adams continued.