How a love of luxury may bring down New York’s mayor

Eric Adams was elected partly on the strength of his origin story, a narrative that shrouded questions of his character, judgment and associates.

New York City mayor Eric Adams departs Manhattan federal court after an appearance on Friday, AP

Nicholas Fandos, Eliza Shapiro and Emma G. Fitzsimmons

Sep 29, 2024 – 4.01pm

Email LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

Subscribe to gift this article

Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.

Subscribe now

Already a subscriber?

In December 2021, just weeks after he was elected as the second black mayor in New York City’s history, Eric Adams took a surprise trip to Ghana.

He called it a “spiritual journey,” and the week-long tour built on a story that had resonated deeply with voters. Adams visited slave trade sites and meditated on the remarkable arc that allowed a man whose ancestors left in shackles to return as the next leader of America’s largest city.