NYC Mayor Adams Justifies Rescheduling to Attend Trump’s Inauguration
NEW YORK CITY—Mayor Eric Adams has justified his choice to cancel multiple Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in New York City to be present at President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
At 12:07 a.m. on January 20, Adams’ office published a public itinerary that featured MLK Day activities in Brooklyn and Harlem along with a CBS News discussion regarding the inauguration. Approximately eight hours later, an updated schedule indicated he would attend the presidential inauguration around noon.
The schedule change happened when Adams was reached at about 1 a.m. on Monday by Steve Witkoff, a billionaire real estate developer from New York State and Trump’s nominee for Middle East envoy, who extended an invitation to the inauguration. Witkoff had previously met with Adams and Trump in private on January 17.
In defense of the decision, Adams’ spokesperson Kayla Mamelak stated, “As the mayor has reiterated, America has selected a new national leader, and we must collaborate to create a safer, stronger, and more affordable New York City.”
However, the mayor’s action sparked criticism from some quarters.
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City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D), a consistent critic of the mayor, stated, “Some individuals who should be here honoring Dr. King with us have opted to go to Washington to celebrate Felon 47.”
During a press event on November 21 responding to the backlash, Adams emphasized his admiration for King.
“I have led my life guided by Dr. King’s vision. He was my inspiration. I’ve read nearly all of his sermons available to me. I understand the challenges he faced. When you review his speeches and reflect on the transformation from living in fear and the concerns for your family, remaining focused is essential.”
Adams asserted that his actions aligned with what he believes King would have expected from him.
“Dr. King’s dream transcends Brooklyn or New York City,” he remarked. “He clearly stated we must set aside partisan politics to address the issues affecting the nation. Nowhere is this more evident than today. Therefore, what it appears like is a responsible mayor wishing to engage meaningfully with national leaders while also symbolically conveying: I’m not just advocating for healing in our nation—I’m prepared to take action.”
