Happy New Year 2025

Tag: mayor

NY Gov Hochul weighs decision to remove Mayor Adams

Governor Kathy Hochul, D-N.Y., met with “key leaders” in New York City on Tuesday to discuss the “path forward” for Mayor Eric Adams, D-N.Y., following a slew of City Hall resignations after the Justice Department dropped bribery, wire fraud and conspiracy charges against Adams last week.

Protesters gathered outside Hochul’s Manhattan office during her meetings on Tuesday, chanting: “Governor Hochul, fight back, remove Eric Adams.”

City Hall sources tell Fox News that Hochul met with the City’s Inability Committee as pressure mounts for Hochul to use her constitutional powers to remove Adams. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, City Comptroller Brad Lander, Rev. Al Sharpton and other community leaders met with Hochul this afternoon.

Lander, a 2025 mayoral candidate, told Fox News he discussed with Hochul whether Adams could even do his job anymore, given the controversy surrounding his office and the logistical imperative of four deputy mayor resignations.

NY GOV. HOCHUL TO MEET WITH ‘KEY LEADERS’ TO DISCUSS ‘PATH FORWARD’ AMID ERIC ADAMS TURMOIL

Governor Kathy Hochul, D-N.Y., is considering the “path forward” for Mayor Eric Adams, D-N.Y., after four deputy mayors resigned following the Justice Department dropping bribery, wire fraud and conspiracy charges against him. (Getty/AP)

“I do think the mayor should resign,” Lander said outside Hochul’s office on Tuesday. “The mayor is not able, in my opinion, to devote his full-time and attention to the needs of New Yorkers.”

NY JUDGE ORDERS ERIC ADAMS, TRUMP DOJ OFFICIALS TO COURT OVER MOTION TO DISMISS CORRUPTION CHARGES

Sharpton, the civil rights activist, said he is also concerned with Adams’ ability to govern, telling Fox News Hochul will continue to deliberate with city leaders and see what the judge decides tomorrow.

U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho ordered a status conference on Wednesday to discuss why the Justice Department filed a motion to drop indictment charges against Adams on Friday. Adams has maintained his innocence throughout legal proceedings, claiming the trial was politically motivated.

“Despite our pleas, when the federal government did nothing as its broken immigration policies overloaded our shelter system with no relief, I put the people of New York before party and politics. I always knew that if I stood my ground for all of you, that I would be a target — and a target I became,” Adams said following his indictment on Sept. 27, 2024.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul presents her 2025 executive state budget in the Red Room at the state Capitol on Jan. 16, 2024, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink)

Adams was critical of President Joe Biden’s handling of the migrant crisis, particularly as New York City struggled to keep up with the busloads of migrants entering the city’s overwhelmed shelter system. Adams said opposition to Biden’s leadership on the migrant crisis made him a target of political persecution.

Adams’ chief campaign fundraiser Brianna Suggs’ home was raided in connection to Adams’ indictment charges in Nov. 2023. Adams was on his way to Washington, D.C., for a meeting with Biden White House officials to discuss the migrant crisis when news of the raid broke. Adams canceled his meetings and abruptly returned to New York City before those meetings could happen.

“Through all the negative headlines, rumors and criticism, I have remained clear: I’m not stepping down, I’m stepping UP. No matter what you read, no matter what you see – they may want to fight me, but I’m always fighting for you,” Adams said on Sunday.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks during a news conference outside Gracie Mansion, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in New York. The Mayor has been indicted after an investigation into campaign corruption. (Rashid Umar Abbasi for Fox News Digital)

Adams, who has developed a relationship with Trump and held private meetings with the president down in West Palm Beach, met with Trump’s border czar Tom Homan on Friday. Homan and Adams sat for a joint interview with Fox & Friends to discuss their plans to crackdown on illegal immigration in New York City.

Homan said he would hold Adams to his commitments, telling Fox & Friends: “If he doesn’t come through, I’ll be back in New York City, and we won’t be sitting on the couch. I’ll be in his office, up his butt, saying, ‘Where the hell is the agreement we came to?’”

New York City leaders did not appreciate the remark, questioning on Tuesday if Adams’ was still aligned with their views on immigration.

“I’m very concerned that Mr. Homan came in here and acted like he could make Adams do what he wants, or he’d be up his butt. I can’t believe someone would say that on national television,” Sharpton said.

“It’s one straightforward test of where his loyalties lie: with New Yorkers or with Donald Trump?” Lander added.

Mayor Eric Adams and border czar Tom Homan joined “Fox & Friends” together to discuss their recent meeting on border security and policies. (Getty Images/Photo illustration)

In Dec. 2024, Trump said he would “look at” a pardon for Adams, claiming he was “treated pretty unfairly” by federal prosecutors and compared Adams’ indictment to his own “political persecution.”

As Hochul decides whether to remove Adams as mayor, she said the “alleged conduct at City Hall” over the past two weeks cannot be ignored.

Fox News contributor Byron York questioned why Hochul would choose now to consider removing Adams as mayor. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi filed a lawsuit last week against Hochul for allowing illegal immigrants to obtain a driver’s license and restricting the DMV from releasing their information to immigration authorities without a warrant.

Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Justice Department as attorney general, appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee for her confirmation hearing, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

“She didn’t seek to remove him before he was indicted. Not after the indictment, either. But the prospect of Adams not resisting enforcement of federal immigration law is just too much,” Fox News contributor Byron York said in a post.

“The calls for Mayor Adams’ removal now reek of political maneuvering,” What has changed since September until now? Comptroller Brad Lander must recuse himself from any discussions on the mayor’s status, including any role in the Inability Committee if it convenes. These decisions must be free from political bias. I also urge the Department of Investigation and the Conflicts of Interest Board to examine Lander’s apparent misuse of city resources. Using official letterhead and staff to draft a politically charged letter that benefits his own mayoral ambitions is a clear abuse of public trust. New Yorkers deserve better.”

Hochul, who has the authority under New York State law to remove Adams as mayor, said the resignation of four deputy mayors in New York City on Monday raised “serious questions about the long-term future” of Adams’ administration.

“I recognize the immense responsibility I hold as governor and the constitutional powers granted to this office. In the 235 years of New York State history, these powers have never been utilized to remove a duly-elected mayor; overturning the will of the voters is a serious step that should not be taken lightly. That said, the alleged conduct at City Hall that has been reported over the past two weeks is troubling and cannot be ignored,” Hochul said.

Eric Adams, mayor of New York, center, during the 60th presidential inauguration in Emancipation Hall of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. Donald Trump’s Monday swearing-in marks just the second time in US history that a president lost the office and managed to return to power – a comeback cementing his place within the Republican Party as an enduring, transformational figure rather than a one-term aberration. (Al Drago/Pool via Reuters)

The deputy mayors submitted their resignations on Monday in the fallout of the Justice Department dropping Adams’ corruption case, leaving a gap in Adams’ governing ability. Torres-Springer served as First Deputy Mayor; Joshi as Deputy Mayor for Operations; Williams-Isom as Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, and Chauncey Parker as Deputy Mayor for Public Safety.

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“I spoke with First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer to express my gratitude for her years of service to New York City,” Hochul said. “She, along with Deputy Mayors Anne Williams-Isom, Meera Joshi and Chauncey Parker, have been strong partners with my Administration across dozens of key issues. If they feel unable to serve in City Hall at this time, that raises serious questions about the long-term future of this Mayoral administration.”

Fox News’ Kirill Clark and Kitty Le Claire contributed to this report.

Deirdre Heavey is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.

February 18, 2025
Duffy blasts Buttigieg: ‘Mayor Pete failed for 4 years’

Current Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy slammed former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a post on X, accusing the Biden-era official of “mismanagement.”

He leveled the criticism when responding to a post in which Buttigieg wrote, “The flying public needs answers. How many FAA personnel were just fired? What positions? And why?”

Duffy responded, blasting Buttigieg.

“Mayor Pete failed for four years to address the air traffic controller shortage and upgrade our outdated, World War II-era air traffic control system. In less than four weeks, we have already begun the process and are engaging the smartest minds in the entire world,” Duffy declared.

SEAN DUFFY TELLS HILLARY CLINTON TO ‘SIT THIS ONE OUT’ AFTER SHE CHIMES IN ON HIS DOGE ANNOUNCEMENT

Left: Sean Duffy, U.S, Secretary of Transportation, during a swearing-in ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. Right: U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg speaks to reporters after a groundbreaking ceremony for the Long Bridge Project at the Long Bridge Aquatic Center on Oct. 15, 2024 in Arlington, Va. (Left: Chris Kleponis/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images; Right: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Prior to serving in the Biden administration, Buttigieg served as the mayor of South Bend, Indiana.

“Here’s the truth: the FAA alone has a staggering 45,000 employees. Less than 400 were let go, and they were all probationary, meaning they had been hired less than a year ago. Zero air traffic controllers and critical safety personnel were let go,” Duffy continued.

He accused Buttigieg of utilizing the Department of Transportation “as a slush fund for the green new scam and environmental justice nonsense,” and claimed “that over 90% of the workforce under his leadership were working from home – including him. The building was empty!”

PETE BUTTIGIEG BLASTS TRUMP AFTER PRESIDENT EXCORIATES HIM DURING PRESS BRIEFING

“When we finally get a full accounting of his mismanagement, I look forward to hearing from him,” he declared.

Buttigieg fired back, “At least one of the claims here (concerning telework rates) is demonstrably false, so forgive us for seeking more specifics on the rest. Is the Secretary claiming, and will he show, that none of the hundreds of FAA personnel he just fired were important to safety?”

In a post on Sunday, Duffy had indicated that individuals from SpaceX were slated to visit the Air Traffic Control System Command Center on Monday.

DUFFY BRINGS UP CLINTON WHILE NOTING SPACEX WORKERS WILL VISIT AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM COMMAND CENTER

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg looks on prior to the Playoff First Round game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on Dec. 20, 2024 in South Bend, Ind. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images))

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“The safety of air travel is a non-partisan matter. SpaceX engineers will help make air travel safer,” Elon Musk replied.

Alex Nitzberg is a writer for Fox News Digital.

February 18, 2025
NYC Mayor Eric Adams refuses to resign in sermon: ‘I have a mission to finish’

New York City Mayor Eric Adams told churchgoers on Sunday that he’s on a mission from God and won’t resign from office as he faces allegations of a quid pro quo with President Donald Trump’s administration.

Adams made the remarks during a sermon at Maranatha Baptist Church in Queens, telling the gathering, “I am going nowhere,” the New York Post reported.

“I have a mission to finish, the mission that God put me on many years ago,” Adams said, adding that “God has fortified me.”

Adams told “Fox & Friends” in an interview on Friday that he plans to run for re-election as a Democrat.

NEW YORK CITY MAYOR ERIC ADAMS SAYS HE WILL RUN FOR RE-ELECTION AS DEMOCRAT

New York City Mayor Eric Adams told Fox News last week that he plans to run for reelection as a Democrat. (Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images, File)

Adams, a Democrat who said he was targeted by the Biden administration, was indicted in September on charges including bribery, soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals, wire fraud and conspiracy. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The decision to drop the case against Adams came as part of Trump’s effort to overhaul the Justice Department, which he said has been weaponized against political opponents.

Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the decision to drop the case, telling Fox News in an interview Friday that Adams was targeted after he criticized the Biden administration’s immigration policies.

Several senior Justice Department officials resigned in protest Thursday rather than comply with an order to drop a bribery case against Adams.

After the charges were dropped, Adams was accused of a quid pro quo over his willingness to work with the Trump administration crackdown to curb illegal immigration, and has faced calls to resign.

“I just find it so amazing — the most sanctified among us are calling for me to step down,” Adams told the church gathering. “I’m not going to step down. I’m going to step up.

NYC MAYOR ERIC ADAMS PROMISES TO REOPEN ICE OFFICE ON RIKERS ISLAND AFTER MEETING WITH TRUMP BORDER CZAR

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said Thursday evening that she was considering removing Adams from office amid the allegations of a quid pro quo.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has faced pressure to fire Adams amid the allegations. (Howard Schnapp/Newsday RM via Getty Images, File)

“The allegations are extremely concerning and serious, but I cannot as the governor of this state have a knee-jerk, politically motivated reaction like a lot of other people are saying right now,” she said.

Hochul is the only state official who has the power to remove Adams from his position.

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Hochul further stated, “I have to do what’s smart, what’s right and I’m consulting with other leaders in government at this time.”

Fox News Digital’s Louis Casiano and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

February 17, 2025
Charles Barkley hopes San Francisco mayor can ‘do something about the homeless population’

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Charles Barkley has hope for the city of San Francisco after saying during the NBA All-Star Game broadcast that he met with Mayor Daniel Lurie.

The city was the host for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game. Barkley had been on the city’s case because of its crime and homeless population. During the broadcast, he expressed some optimism that the city would start cleaning up.

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Chuck’s Global Stars general manager Charles Barkley looks on during introductions before the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center in San Francisco on Feb. 16, 2025. (Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images)

“Shoutout to the people of San Francisco, especially the mayor. I met the mayor a couple times. He’s been tremendous, and hopefully we can do something about the homeless population,” Barkley said during a game between Team Shaquille O’Neal and Team Candace Parker.

Barkley said last month he would skip going to the game because it was in San Francisco.

“He’s going to make the All-Star Team,” Barkley said at the time. “I’m not going. I’m not going to that rat-infested place out in San Francisco.”

Barkley responded to one of his colleagues calling San Francisco “beautiful.”

“San Francisco is not a beautiful city. Rats. Cats. Y’all are not gonna make me like San Francisco. No. Nope, nope, nope”

From left to right, Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson and Charles Barkley stand at mid-court to be honored during the NBA All-Star basketball game on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025 in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

SPURS TEAMMATES VICTOR WEMBANYAMA, CHRIS PAUL DISQUALIFIED FROM NBA ALL-STAR GAME SKILLS CHALLENGE

However, it was far from the first time he had criticized San Francisco. Last year, he ripped the city during the NBA’s alternative broadcast of the All-Star Game, which took place in Indianapolis.

Barkley asked Reggie Miller which he would choose: playing in the cold in Indianapolis – where Miller spent his entire 18-year NBA career – or “being around a bunch of homeless crooks in San Francisco.”

Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green called Barkley “crazy” and said that Barkley was not “welcome” in the city. Parker said, “we love San Francisco,” but Barkley offered a retort.

“No we don’t,” he said. “… You can’t even walk around down there.”

He later suggested you could walk around the city with a “bulletproof vest.”

Then-Super Bowl 50 Host Committee Chairman Daniel Lurie speaks during the Super Bowl 50 host committee press conference at the Moscone Center in San Francisco on Feb. 1, 2016. (Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports)

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Lurie has vowed to make San Francisco’s streets safe again, build “enough housing to turn around our affordability crisis” and tackle “our drug and behavioral health crisis.”

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February 17, 2025
D.C. Mayor Bowser open to using public money help fund potential multi-billion Commanders stadium at RFK site

Washington’s NFL franchise has spent the last 28 seasons playing home games in Maryland. The Commanders currently call Northwest Stadium, formerly FedEx Field, home.

The stadium opened in time for the 1997 season and is located roughly 13 miles from the U.S. Capitol Building in neighboring Washington, D.C. The stadium replaced the once iconic Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium (RFK Stadium). But, the open-air venue where the Commanders have welcomed opposing teams for nearly the last three decades has rapidly deteriorated, prompting discussions about an eventual alternative.

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General view of the exterior of RFK Stadium on May 24, 2005 during the Washington Nationals first season in Washington, DC. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Earlier this week, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser met with residents who live in the area surrounding the dilapidated RFK Stadium site to discuss the possibility of building a state-of-the art building that could host the Washington Commanders. Bowser has long supported the push to bring the football team back to the District of Columbia.

“I believe firmly that in global cities — world-class cities like ours — we do big things,” Bowser told residents. “We have arts and culture, entertainment, nightlife, and sports. We have great neighborhoods, and we can invite the world to our city. But the fact is, until we have a modern stadium, we will not be able to host events that the world is used to.”

COMMANDERS’ JOSH HARRIS MAINTAINS TEAM NAME IS HERE TO STAY

Proposals estimate the stadium structure could comprise up to 25 acres of the 174-acre site. A mixed-used development featuring housing, restaurants, and parks could take up the remaining portion of land.

The city recently gained control over the swath of land after years of back-and-forth with federal lawmakers. In December, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution to transfer the land from the federal government to D.C. The federal government would effectively lease the acerage back to the city for 99 years.

“This is a win for DC, for our region, and for America,” Bowser wrote on her social media account after news of the approval surfaced. “Everybody loves a good comeback story – and that’s DC’s story. #OurRFK”

Mayor Muriel Bowser reveals plans for a new DC Jail on Hill East as well as a proposal for a new SportsComplex on the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium site, photographed in Washington, DC on March 28, 2022. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

The bill was signed into law by then-U.S. President Joe Biden in January. The move was viewed as a major step toward the Commanders returning to the nation’s capital, although several hurdles remain.

On Thursday, Bowser stressed the importance of constructing a world-class stadium if the city wanted to become a viable host for concerts, Super Bowls, and other major sporting events.

Jan 9, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; General view of FedEx Field before the game between the Washington Football Team and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports)

“Until we have a modern stadium, we will not be able to host events like the world is used to, including a World Cup, including a Super Bowl — and yes, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift,” Bowser said.

The mayor said she is committed to working with the Commanders, as she aims to convince the franchise that building a stadium within the city limits is the best alternative to their current home. Bowser also vowed to reach terms on a stadium deal that would be beneficial to those who live in the community.

Commanders principal owner Josh Harris has not made any public declarations about his preferred stadium location, but acknowledged the team could end up playing in D.C., Maryland, or nearby Virginia.

Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris speaks at a press conference at Commanders Park in Ashburn, VA on January 08, 2024. The conference was to announce that the Commanders are parting ways with head coach Ron Rivera following a disappointing 4-13 season. (Craig Hudson for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

The use of public funds to help fund a multi-billion stadium project is often met with some considerable push back. Bowser and city lawmakers will likely face strong headwinds as they make their case to constituents about the potential allocation of public dollars towards a stadium project.

At one point during her roughly 20-minute presentation on Thursday, Bowser referenced a sports study she commissioned which estimated economic benefits in excess of $1 billion. The revenue would come from a mixed-used development along with a modern NFL stadium. The development could also create thousands of jobs.

Bowser stopped short of sharing details about the amount of public funds she would be comfortable with the team using. She instead noted that her administration’s “detailed analysis” determined that an NFL stadium would be a strong investment.

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Aside from hosting an NFL team, RFK Stadium was the home to two MLB teams, two college football teams, and multiple professional soccer clubs. The stadium was also the site of several World Cup matches.

On the field, the Commanders experienced a major turnaround this season. Harris selected Dan Quinn as the team’s next coach last February, while Adam Peters was brought in to handle general manager duties. The Commanders selected quarterback Jayden Daniels in last April’s NFL Draft. Daniels earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and helped lift Washington to an appearance in the NFC Championship game.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 15, 2025
Philadelphia mayor jeered by Eagles fans during Super Bowl parade speech: ‘Wrap it up!’

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker has already made a spelling error in one speech about the Philadelphia Eagles, and now she may have gone over the word count in another.

During the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory parade on Friday, Parker took to the podium to deliver her speech to the team’s gathered fans. But eventually, those in attendance started to boo her and chant “Wrap it up!” once they felt her speech went on too long.

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Parker’s speech ultimately ended up going more than five minutes. Most of the other speeches on Friday were brief.

The parade also featured Eagles general manager Howie Roseman getting hit in the head with a beer can, which caused him to bleed, and a shooting that injured two women.

The mayor’s Eagles-related speeches became a point of criticism in January ahead of the team’s divisional round playoff victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Jan. 19, when she misspelled the team name. During a chant to celebrate the Eagles’ playoff run, the Democratic mayor attempted the fan base’s signature chant of spelling out the team name. However, she spelled it “E-L-G-S-E-S.”

MICS CATCH SAQUON BARKLEY, FIANCÉE’S EMOTIONAL EXCHANGE AFTER EAGLES’ SUPER BOWL VICTORY: ‘SO PROUD’

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker rings a ceremonial bell before the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Houston Rockets at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Jan 15, 2024. (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)

The error prompted mass online mockery.

Parker addressed this mistake during a press conference just days later.

“We don’t promise perfection, I’m so happy I never have,” she told the gathering. “Especially after I couldn’t spell ‘Eagles’ right.”

Reporters in attendance laughed in response.

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Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker stands next to the Vince Lombardi Trophy during the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX championship parade and rally on Friday. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

The Democrat’s misspelling was then turned into a T-shirt by the independent Philadelphia sports apparel business Philly Goat.

Parker is in her first term after winning the mayoral election in 2023, becoming the first woman mayor in the city’s history when she defeated Republican David Oh.

Parker served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 2005-15, and then on the Philadelphia city council from 2015-22.

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Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. He previously worked for ESPN and Business Insider. Jackson has covered the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, and has interviewed iconic figures Usain Bolt, Rob Gronkowski, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman, Mike Trout, David Ortiz and Roger Clemens.

February 15, 2025
LA Mayor Bass concedes Africa trip was ‘absolutely’ a mistake amid botched wildfire response

Los Angeles’ Democratic Mayor Karen Bass Thursday conceded her Africa trip was “absolutely” a mistake and that she was working to regain the public’s trust after facing backlash for her botched response to the raging fires in her city last month.

“Absolutely it is, and I think that I have to demonstrate that every day by showing what we’re doing, what is working, what are the challenges,” Bass told NBC Los Angeles when asked if she’s trying to “regain confidence.”

The remarks come as Los Angeles faces rainstorms this week, which could create “debris flows” in areas where the fires burned, a landslide risk for what’s left of the disaster that tore through in separate fires in the region. There have already been mudslides in some scarred areas, according to Fox Weather.

LOS ANGELES WILDFIRE CZAR’S $500K PAYCHECK FOR 90 DAYS OF WORK DRAWS SWIFT BLOWBACK, MAYOR REVERSES COURSE

LA Mayor Karen Bass, left, and LA wildfires, right (AP)

Bass was in Ghana for the swearing-in of its president when the fires began, even though there was a high fire risk known at the time. The Palisades Fire started Jan. 7 and escalated through the night, but the mayor did not get back into the city until Jan. 8, and she did not answer repeated questions from a Sky News reporter upon her arrival in the United States.

Bass’ silence went viral and led to backlash from residents and social media.

Water is dropped by helicopter on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Over 170,000 people have signed a Change.org petition calling for her to step down as mayor. The situation also resulted in public criticism of the mayor, ranging from former Democratic mayoral opponent Rick Caruso to liberal talk show host Bill Maher.

LA MAYOR KAREN BASS POSED FOR PHOTOS AT A COCKTAIL PARTY AS PALISADES FIRE EXPLODED

“LA’s mayor, Karen Bass, the Nero of American politics, was fiddling in Ghana while the city burned,” Maher said last month.

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., suggested that Disney CEO Bob Iger run for mayor in 2026. When pressed on whether she took Khanna’s comments personally, Bass shrugged it off.

“I am focused on one thing and one thing only, and that is to make sure that our city is able to recover and rebuild, and that all of those individuals that lived in the Palisades can go home,” Bass told NBC Los Angeles.

Rick Caruso, a Democratic candidate for Los Angeles mayor, celebrates at his primary night gathering in Los Angeles June 7, 2022, with his family behind him. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

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The nearly 24,000-acre Palisades Fire destroyed over 6,800 buildings, damaged 973 buildings and resulted in 12 deaths, according to state government data.

Political fallout from the fire continues as Steve Soboroff, who’s tasked with recovery efforts, was slated to receive a $500,000 payday for the next three months from different charities. However, he will now be doing the job without pay after the amount raised eyebrows as some Californians build back from nothing.

Cameron Arcand is a politics writer at Fox News Digital in Washington D.C. Story tips can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter: @cameron_arcand

February 14, 2025
Dem mayor blasted for extending sympathy to suspect killed in officer-involved shooting: ‘Lack of leadership’

Milwaukee’s Democratic Mayor Cavalier Johnson deleted a social media post following an officer-involved shooting that said the suspect’s death was also a “tragedy,” leading to criticism from the Milwaukee Police Association.

“My thoughts are with the [Milwaukee Police] officer shot in the line of duty today,” the original X post stated. “The entire incident, including the death of the suspect, is a tragedy.”

The new version of the post only includes the first line expressing concern for the police officer.

NEW YORK STATE PRISON PLACED ON LOCKDOWN AFTER INMATES TAKE OVER, INJURE THREE CORRECTIONS OFFICERS

The officer was allegedly shot by a suspect carrying a rifle before the suspect was slain by another officer, Fox 6 Milwaukee reported.

As of 2024, Milwaukee is considered one of the most dangerous cities in Wisconsin, according to SafeHome.org (Fox News)

“The original social media post was put up by a staff member. When the Mayor saw it, he immediately insisted it be taken down. His sentiments are accurately expressed in the video that was posted,” the mayor’s office told Fox News Digital in an email.

“My thoughts are with that officer. My thoughts are with that officer’s family. My thoughts are with the Milwaukee Police Department,” Johnson said in the video referenced in his office’s statement. “I’m grateful, and I know that the people of Milwaukee are grateful as well that there are so many brave men and women who are part of this force who put their own selves in the line of danger in order to make sure we have safety in this community.”

A Johnson spokesperson told Wisconsin Right Now that “an appropriate reprimand is forthcoming” for the staffer who allegedly posted the original comment.

The Milwaukee Police Association said Johnson’s original post was insulting to law enforcement.

“MPA President Alexander Ayala contacted the Mayor’s office after seeing a social media post calling the death of a criminal who nearly killed one of our police officers today, a ‘tragedy,’” the association wrote on Facebook. “While we accept the Mayor’s apology that he made in a call to President Ayala, we must make it clear that this sentiment, even in error, insults every Milwaukee Police officer who puts their life on the line for the city.”

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Officials and popular voices in the region also blasted the deleted post.

“Law Enforcement’s jobs are made harder by leaders like you who insult their service and sacrifice. A police officer almost didn’t go home today because he was shot by someone endangering his community. That is a tragedy, [mayor],” Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann posted.

“Your lack of leadership has created the environment for this to happen,” he added.

“Yes, he really did call the death of a lowlife thug who shot and very nearly killed a Milwaukee Police officer a ‘tragedy,’” Wisconsin-based radio personality Dan O’Donnell posted.

The Milwaukee skyline is seen on July 31, 2018. (Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)

As of 2024, Milwaukee is considered one of the most dangerous cities in Wisconsin, according to SafeHome.org. Statistics from last year indicate that the murder rate in the city had a decline, but carjackings did see an increase, Fox 6 Milwaukee reported.

WISCONSIN MAN, DOG FOUND STABBED TO DEATH AT HOME HOURS AFTER POLICE RESPONDED TO POSSIBLE BREAK-IN

Cameron Arcand is a politics writer at Fox News Digital in Washington D.C. Story tips can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter: @cameron_arcand

February 14, 2025
Trump’s Justice Department order to drop charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams sparks mass resignations

Several senior Justice Department officials resigned in protest Thursday rather than comply with an order to drop a bribery case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

The acts of resistance came amid President Donald Trump’s effort to overhaul the agency, which he said has been weaponized against political opponents, Reuters reported.

The six resignations include Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon, Trump’s pick to temporarily lead the office prosecuting Adams, who resigned her post on Thursday, according to the memorandum by Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, a Trump appointee.

SENATE CONFIRMS PAM BONDI AS US ATTORNEY GENERAL

U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon, via Southern District of New York

“I remain baffled by the rushed and superficial process by which this decision was reached,” Sassoon wrote in a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Adams, a Democrat who said he was targeted by the Biden administration, has been willing to work with the Trump administration crackdown to curb illegal immigration. Adams pleaded not guilty to charges that he accepted bribes from Turkish officials.

“Rather than be rewarded, Adams’s advocacy should be called out for what it is: an improper offer of immigration enforcement assistance in exchange for a dismissal of his case,” Sassoon wrote to Bondi.

Adams’ lawyer Alex Spiro said in an email to Reuters that the charges against his client are a “sham.”

“If SDNY had any proof whatsoever that the mayor destroyed evidence, they would have brought those charges—as they continually threatened to do, but didn’t, over months and months,” Spiro wrote. “This newest false claim is just the parting shot of a misguided prosecution exposed as a sham.”

In his Thursday memo, Bove wrote that Sassoon had refused to comply with what he called his office’s finding that the case against Adams amounted to weaponization of the justice system.

“Your resignation is accepted…you lost sight of the oath that you took when you started at the DOJ,” he wrote.

“Your office has no authority to contest the weaponization finding,” wrote Bove, Trump’s former personal criminal defense lawyer. “The Justice Department will not tolerate the insubordination.”

DOJ DIRECTS FBI TO FIRE 8 TOP OFFICIALS, IDENTIFY EMPLOYEES INVOLVED IN JAN. 6, HAMAS CASES FOR REVIEW

The seal for the Justice Department is photographed in Washington, Nov. 18, 2022. The Justice Department has announced three arrests in a complex stolen identity scheme that officials say generates enormous proceeds for the North Korean government, including for its weapons program. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

After Sassoon refused to dismiss the case, the Trump administration directed John Keller, the acting head of the Justice Department’s public corruption unit, to do so, according to people familiar with the matter.

Keller also resigned on Thursday, two people familiar with the matter said, as well as Kevin Driscoll, a senior official in the department’s criminal division.

Three other deputies in the Justice Department’s public corruption unit – Rob Heberle, Jenn Clarke, and Marco Palmieri – also resigned on Thursday over the Adams case, a person familiar with the matter said.

A Justice Department official confirmed Keller’s and Driscoll’s resignations, and did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the other three.

On Monday, president-elect Trump said he would consider a pardon for New York City Mayor Eric Adams. (Getty Images)

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Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House. Since taking office in January, Trump has fired more than a dozen federal prosecutors who pursued cases against him.

In a statement to Fox News, Bove said he concluded that the prosecution against Adams had to be dismissed in order to “prioritize national security and public safety over continuing with a case that has been tainted from the start by troubling tactics.”

“There is no room at the Justice Department for attorneys who refuse to execute on the priorities of the Executive Branch – priorities determined by the American people,” he said. “I look forward to working with new leadership at SDNY on the important priorities President Trump has laid out for us to make America safe again.”

Fox News’ David Spunt contributed to this report.

February 14, 2025
DOJ moves to dismiss federal charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams

FIRST ON FOX: The Justice Department is moving to dismiss federal charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Fox News has learned.

Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove sent a letter to the acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York on Monday instructing SDNY to drop the federal case against Adams and dismiss it without prejudice.

Adams was indicted in September on charges including bribery, soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals, wire fraud and conspiracy. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Sources told Fox News that the case needs to be dismissed because the process was tainted against Adams.

Sources also said that top officials at the Justice Department believe that the case needs to be dropped so that Adams can continue efforts to stop illegal immigration in the city.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Brooke Singman is a political correspondent and reporter for Fox News Digital, Fox News Channel and FOX Business.

February 10, 2025