Why Eric Adams still won't quit: An American story of faith and delusion

Just days after New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on federal charges that could cost him decades in jail, prosecutors told a federal judge it was "quite likely" there would be a second superseding indictment outlining more alleged crimes. In the 57-page indictment filed by the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, prosecutors alleged that, going back to his time as Brooklyn borough president in the 2010s, Adams pulled in more than $100,000 in illicit benefits that included international flight upgrades and luxury accommodations from Turkish officials, while organizing a network of illegal "straw donors" that enabled him to defraud the taxpayers of more than $10 million in public campaign financing. Although phrased in carefully crafted legal language, the alleged quid pro quo demanded of Adams is made clear enough: In September 2021, the Turkish Official told Adams that it was his turn to repay the Turkish Official, by pressuring the New York City Fire Department to facilitate the opening of a new Turkish consular building — a 36-story skyscraper — without a fire inspection, in time for a high-profile visit by Turkey’s president. Last month, beset by deepening scandal, Adams told congregants at the Power and Authority Evangelical Ministry in Brooklyn that the Book of Job was his "favorite" Bible story.