Trump knows what it feels like.
At a recent rally in Madison Square Garden, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump expressed his appreciation for New York City Mayor Eric Adams, asserting that the mayor has faced unfair treatment from the Department of Justice. Trump’s remarks came in response to Adams’ recent indictment on bribery charges, which the former president likened to his own experiences with federal scrutiny.
“I want to extend my thanks to Mayor Adams,” Trump said, addressing the crowd as a few boos rang out. “He’s been under tremendous pressure from the DOJ, and I can empathize with that. It’s no surprise that after he spoke out against the Biden administration’s handling of the illegal immigration crisis in our city, he faced retaliation.”
Trump recalled Adams’ frustration during the summer of 2023 when the mayor pointed out the unsustainable influx of migrants into New York City. “He said, ‘This isn’t sustainable. We have 100,000 migrants coming in; we can’t handle it,’” Trump recounted. “I knew that once he made that statement, they would come after him. And sure enough, a year later, he was indicted.”
In a show of solidarity, Trump acknowledged Adams’ recent defense of him amid rising tensions. Adams condemned the labeling of Trump as a “fascist,” emphasizing that such characterizations are unfounded. “He’s been very supportive,” Trump noted. “It was refreshing to hear him stand up for the truth during a difficult time.”
This rally underscored the challenges both leaders face in navigating a political landscape fraught with division and partisanship. Trump’s gratitude towards Adams reflects a broader Republican sentiment: standing together against what many see as unjust political attacks. As both men grapple with their respective battles, they remind their supporters of the importance of resilience and unity in the face of adversity.