I’m Mayor Until December 31 — History Will Remember Me,” Says Eric Adams
In His Final Roundtable With Ethnic Media, Mayor Eric Adams Reaffirms His Authority Until December 31 and Says His Impact on Public Safety, Jobs, and Communities Will Stand the Test of Time
By Mohsin Zaheer
New York City Mayor Eric Adams addressed ethnic and community media leaders at City Hall in what he described as his final roundtable with the press ahead of the end of his mayoral term on December 31, 2025.
Speaking candidly, Adams reflected on his administration’s record, defended his policy decisions, and issued sharp warnings about what he called “destructive” agendas being promoted by far-left groups, including the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), whom he said are aligned with mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.
“Everyday New Yorkers want simple things,” Adams said. “They want to be safe, they want their children educated, they want jobs, and they want a comfortable life. But some of the policies being proposed would take this city backwards.”
Adams criticized proposals to decriminalize prostitution, release thousands of inmates from Rikers Island, dismantle mayoral control of schools, impose race-based taxation, and allow the return of large homeless encampments. He warned that such policies would threaten public safety, worsen quality of life, and ignore the city’s mental health crisis.
“You don’t end up on Rikers Island for jumping a turnstile,” Adams said. “Many of those individuals have serious mental health challenges. Simply putting them back into communities without support is dangerous.”
The mayor also highlighted what he called tangible progress under his leadership, including declining crime rates, a reported decrease in antisemitic incidents, the removal of more than 24,000 illegal guns from city streets, record housing and job growth, expanded after-school programs, and improvements in student reading and math performance.
Adams defended his continued appointments to boards and commissions despite criticism from political opponents, saying, “I’m the mayor until December 31st, and I’m going to do my job until December 31st. There should not be a double standard.”
Addressing his relationship with the media, Adams expressed frustration that major accomplishments were often overshadowed by negative coverage. “People come to town halls and say, ‘We didn’t know you did all this,’” he said. “That tells me something is broken in how our story is being told.”
In an emotional moment, Adams thanked ethnic and community media outlets for their access and engagement over the past four years, noting that future administrations may not be as reachable. “You’re going to miss me,” he joked. “You won’t always be able to text the mayor and get a response.”
Looking ahead, Adams said he has no immediate plans to remain in public office after leaving City Hall, though he stopped short of ruling out a future political comeback. He said he plans to write a book, return to school, explore business opportunities, and take time to “rejuvenate” after four decades in public life.
“Never say never,” Adams said. “But right now, I’m good.”
The mayor closed by reaffirming his belief that history will judge his tenure favorably. “The record we broke and what we did for working-class people is amazing,” he said. “And that’s what history is going to show.”
