Four top deputies in New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ administration resigned on Monday, following allegations by a former U.S. Attorney that Adams and the Justice Department negotiated a quid pro quo—a claim that Governor Kathy Hochul called “troubling and cannot be ignored.”
In a Monday night statement, Hochul announced she would meet with key leaders on Tuesday to discuss “the path forward” and ensure stability in city government.
The resignations triggered protests across the city, with several NYC leaders—including City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams—calling for Adams to step down.
The four departing officials include:
- First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer
- Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi
- Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom
- Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Chauncey Parker
Adams spoke with all four on Sunday, urging them to stay or delay their decision, but was ultimately unable to prevent their departure.
The deputy mayors had been hired to stabilize city government after the high-profile departures of Adams’ inner circle, some of whom were investigated by state and federal prosecutors.
Hochul pointed to their mass resignation as a warning sign, stating:
“If these leaders feel unable to serve in City Hall at this time, that raises serious questions about the long-term future of the Adams administration.”
Last week, the Justice Department ordered federal prosecutors in New York’s Southern District to drop the bribery case against Adams.
Former U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon revealed that the Justice Department agreed to drop charges in exchange for Adams’ cooperation with President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
Sassoon and six other federal prosecutors resigned in protest last week over the alleged deal.
The deputy mayors will remain in their positions for an unspecified period to ensure a smooth transition.
In a joint statement, Torres-Springer, Williams-Isom, and Joshi said they were resigning due to:
“The extraordinary events of the last few weeks and to stay faithful to the oaths we swore to New Yorkers and our families.”
They added that while they are leaving the administration, they will continue to support public servants and the mission of serving New Yorkers.
Parker, in a separate statement, described his role as “the honor of a lifetime”, stating:
“Together, we have made our streets safer, more just, and improved quality of life for all New Yorkers.”
In a statement on Monday, Adams expressed disappointment but said he understood their decision:
“I am disappointed to see them go, but given the current challenges, I understand their decision and wish them nothing but success in the future.”
Facing multiple challengers in June’s Democratic primary, Adams attempted to project confidence, declaring:
“Let me be crystal clear: New York City will keep moving forward, just as it does every day.”
As political and legal challenges mount, the mass resignation of Adams’ top aides raises serious doubts about the stability of his administration heading into an election year.
