It was not long after Eric Adams took office as the mayor of New York City in 2022 that he started drawing comparisons to Donald J. Trump. While Adams dubbed himself the “Biden of Brooklyn,” his style bore a closer resemblance to the man President Biden defeated in the 2020 election. Adams’ approach, much like Trump’s, has often been characterized by his combative relationship with the media.
Adams, a former police officer and New York City’s second Black mayor, has frequently criticized the press coverage he has received. “We have to tell our news publications: Enough, enough, enough,” Adams declared in late 2022, as he launched his own newsletter to bypass local media.
Both Adams and Trump have projected a tough, law-and-order persona, often surrounding themselves with individuals who are under legal scrutiny. They have also consistently claimed that they are victims of politically motivated prosecutions. These declarations are not merely about defending their policies but are framed as part of a broader narrative of being targeted unjustly.
As reported by NBC, Adams’ strategy will test how far he can push the Trump playbook in his bid to remain in office. The question remains whether the political gravity that typically accompanies an indictment will drag him down. Similarly, Trump faces a critical test in less than six weeks, as he seeks to overcome his legal challenges and secure the Republican nomination for the presidential election.
The parallels between Adams and Trump extend beyond their claims of victimhood. Both have cultivated an image of “swagger,” a certain macho toughness that appeals to their base. This image is not just about their public personas but also about the way they handle legal and political challenges.
The question of whether these strategies will succeed remains open. For Trump, the upcoming presidential election will be a crucial test. Despite his legal troubles, he continues to garner substantial support within his party. Adams, on the other hand, will have to navigate the complexities of New York City politics and public opinion to maintain his position.
In the end, both Adams and Trump are betting that their claims of partisan prosecution will resonate with their supporters and help them weather the political storms they face.