Eric Adams has not ruled out switching from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a Dec. 6 interview that he has not ruled out switching from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party. The comments come as he has warmed increasingly to President-elect Donald Trump, reports APN.

The comments from Adams, the top Democrat in one of the nation's most liberal cities, have angered critics who are concerned about the mayor's growing willingness to back Trump and his tough immigration policy.

Adams was a registered Republican in the 1990s and early 2000s. But he spent his political career as a Democrat.

The Interview

In a Dec. 6 morning interview with local cable news channel NY1, Adams was asked whether he would consider returning to the Republican Party. The Democrat left open the possibility of switching parties.

On the subject: Adams Wants to Eliminate Income Tax for Some New Yorkers

"For me, the most important party is the American party," he said. "I am part of the American party. I love this country. It is the home of the free, the land of the brave."

In another interview on PIX11 about a half hour later, Adams said he would run for re-election as a Democrat, but left some wiggle room.

"Regardless of my party affiliation or which party I vote for, I will stand up for American values," he said. "I think America has said to us: Stop bickering, leaders, and start getting us out of the crisis we face."

Immigration issues

Adams spent much of his time as mayor at odds with the progressive wing of his party.

But his rhetoric has shifted noticeably to the right in the weeks since Trump’s election, particularly on immigration. Adams supported the president-elect’s platform and was enthusiastic about his administration.

Adams recently expressed a willingness to end so-called sanctuary city policies and plans to meet with Trump's top border official about "the increase in illegal immigrant-related crime in New York City."

He also praised Trump's team, including Elon Musk, who falsely claimed that Democrats were illegally "importing" migrants to gain votes.

Now running the city and preparing to run for reelection, Adams is trying to fight back from corruption chargesHe pleaded not guilty.

Change of course

Adams' critics accused the mayor of cozying up to the 47th president in an attempt to secure a pardon for him in the corruption case.

"At a time when the Republican Party has never been further removed from New York City values, we need a mayor who is not afraid to call himself a Democrat," said Zellnor Myrie, a state senator who is challenging Adams in the primary.

"Instead of cosying up to the newly elected president, we need a mayor who is brave enough to stand up for our city," Myri wrote on X.

On December 6, Adams distanced himself from the Trump administration's potential plans to carry out mass deportations.

“You know, I’m not for mass deportation, but I’m not for mass saturation,” he clarified.

However, the mayor's recent comments represent a significant departure from his position before taking office.

In June 2021, weeks before winning the Democratic mayoral primary, Adams spoke to a room full of immigrants in New York City about the challenges undocumented immigrants face.

“Too many of our neighbors are living in the shadows, traumatized by the offensive rhetoric and tactics of the Trump era,” he said then. “They fear for their rights.”