NYC's mayor warms to Trump and doesn't rule out becoming a Republican

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has hinted at the possibility of switching to the Republican Party, as he refused to dismiss the idea of changing his political affiliation during two interviews on Friday. This comes as he has shown increasing support for President-elect Donald Trump.
 
Adams, a leading Democrat in one of the most liberal cities in the U.S., faced criticism from those concerned about his growing alignment with Trump and his strict immigration policies. Although Adams, who is facing federal corruption charges, was a registered Republican in the 1990s and early 2000s, he has been a Democrat throughout his political career.
 
In an interview with NY1, Adams was asked whether he would consider rejoining the GOP, and he left the door open to the idea. "The party that's the most important for me is the American party," he said. "I'm a part of the American party. I love this country. This is the home of the free, the land of the brave."
 
Later, in another interview on PIX11, Adams stated that he would run for reelection as a Democrat, but again suggested flexibility in his future political choices. "No matter what party I'm on or vote on, I'm going to push for the American values," he said, adding that the country needs leaders to stop squabbling and address the crises it faces.
 
Adams, who won office with a centrist platform, has often clashed with the progressive wing of his party. His rhetoric has shifted rightward, particularly on immigration, after Trump's election. He has supported Trump's policies and is now more open to scaling back the city's sanctuary policies. He has also planned meetings with Trump's immigration officials to address what he describes as the rising crime rate linked to illegal immigration.
 
Adams has also praised figures associated with Trump, including Elon Musk, who has falsely claimed that Democrats are illegally importing migrants to secure votes. In his remarks, Adams compared the country to a racehorse that had been held back for fear of cancellation.
 
The mayor's shift in stance coincides with his efforts to defend against federal corruption charges while preparing for a potential second term. Adams has pleaded not guilty to charges that he accepted gifts and illegal campaign contributions, including from individuals with ties to Turkey.
 
Critics have accused Adams of aligning with Trump to protect his political future and secure a pardon. Zohran Mamdani, a state assembly member challenging Adams in the mayoral primary, stated, "Eric Adams is clearly prepared to betray Democratic voters for his own self-interest." State Senator Zellnor Myrie, another challenger, said that New Yorkers need a mayor who embodies Democratic values rather than one who is trying to align with the Republican Party.
 
While Adams distanced himself from Trump's mass deportation plans, he did not fully reject the broader right-wing stance on immigration. His recent comments mark a stark departure from his stance in 2021, when he advocated for immigrant rights, acknowledging the challenges faced by undocumented New Yorkers who lived in fear during the Trump administration.