New York’s Leadership Crisis: How Corruption, Greed, and Incompetence Are Destroying Our City

New York’s Leadership Crisis: How Corruption, Greed, and Incompetence Are Destroying Our City

Being a middle-class New Yorker is not for the weak, so imagine the struggle of low-income and poor residents. Homelessness has always existed in this city, but it has worsened with each passing year. Why? Because the very people we trust and elect to safeguard our city are in bed with those who exploit it for personal gain. Mayors and governors love to claim they work for us, yet their pockets are the ones swelling.

Take, for example, the ongoing mental health and housing crisis, two critical issues no administration has managed to control. During the pandemic, instead of seizing the opportunity to build affordable housing and transition homeless families into permanent residences, our so-called leaders bailed out the hospitality industry. They relocated shelter residents into hotels, leaving shelters vacant for months while still paying rent for those empty spaces. They paraded it as a public safety measure, but in reality, it was a financial lifeline for hotels and nonprofits that manipulated the system for profit.

From 2020 to 2022, New York City spent over $1 billion on temporary hotel accommodations for the homeless, costing an average of $10,000 per person per month. If the city had genuinely wanted to tackle homelessness, it would have invested that money into building permanent housing instead. Yet, while the homelessness crisis spirals further out of control, we continue to see luxury high-rises popping up on every corner, monuments to gentrification that most New Yorkers can’t afford. These buildings sit half-empty for years, owned by investors who don’t even live in the city, let alone the country.

The Subway Crisis and the City’s Failed Response

The crisis has also taken over our subway system, where homelessness and untreated mental illness have led to countless violent incidents and deaths. Riding the subway is now a nerve-wracking experience, stable commuters might need mental health services themselves just to cope. And what has the city done? Instead of deploying mental health professionals or investing in real solutions, it has flooded the subways with aggressive police officers more focused on catching fare evaders than ensuring actual safety.

One of the most horrific recent incidents speaks volumes: a woman was set on fire while sleeping on a train, and a uniformed officer casually walked past her. What was Mayor Adams’ response? Instead of taking responsibility, he deflected, quick to highlight that she was homeless and had “no business” sleeping there. This is who we’ve been voting for, a mayor who always has an excuse and never accountability.

Mayor Eric Adams: Scandals, Corruption, and Resignations

Mayor Eric Adams has been entangled in numerous allegations and charges throughout his tenure. Below are the most critical ones:

1. Federal Indictment on Corruption Charges: In September 2024, Adams was indicted on multiple federal charges, including bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and soliciting illegal campaign contributions from foreign nationals. The indictment alleges that since 2014, he accepted over $100,000 in bribes from Turkish officials and businesspeople, using his influence to fast-track the opening of the Turkish consulate without proper safety inspections.

2. 

   Justice Department’s Decision to Drop Charges: In February 2025, under the Trump administration, the Department of Justice directed federal prosecutors to dismiss the corruption case against Adams. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove cited concerns that prosecuting Adams would interfere with his ability to govern, particularly in addressing immigration and crime. This controversial decision led to multiple resignations within the Justice Department, including that of the lead prosecutor.

3. Allegations of Quid Pro Quo with the Trump Administration: Reports suggest that the dismissal of charges was part of a deal where Mayor Adams agreed to support Trump’s immigration policies, including mass deportations, in exchange for having the charges dropped. This has intensified calls for Adams’ resignation from various political leaders and ethics watchdogs.

4. Mass Resignations of Key Officials:
   Adams’ administration has suffered significant upheaval, with numerous top officials resigning:

   • Deputy Mayors: Maria Torres-Springer, Meera Joshi, Anne Williams-Isom, Chauncey Parker, Sheena Wright
   • Commissioners and Department Heads: NYC Schools Chancellor David C. Banks, NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban, NYC Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III, Buildings Commissioner Eric Ulrich
   • Senior Advisors: Chief Advisor Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Economic Development Corporation Staffer Timothy Pearson, Asian Affairs Advisor Winnie Greco, Chief Liaison to the Muslim Community Mohamed Bahi, Senior Muslim Advisor Ahsan Chutgai, Former Deputy Commissioner Kristen Kaufman, Former Chief Legal Advisor Lisa Zornberg

These departures highlight the deep instability and dysfunction within Adams’ leadership.

Gracie Mansion Scandal and His Ties to Diddy

Mayor Adams has been involved in two major public trust violations:

1. 

   Unauthorized Masonic Ceremony at Gracie Mansion
   In September 2023, Adams and NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban were secretly inducted as Master Masons during a private ceremony at Gracie Mansion—the official mayoral residence. This event was never disclosed to the public, sparking outrage over his use of a government property for a fraternal organization’s ritual.

2. His Relationship with Sean “Diddy” Combs

   • In September 2023, Adams awarded Diddy a Key to the City.
   • In September 2024, Adams and Combs both faced federal indictments—Adams for bribery and fraud, Combs for sex trafficking and racketeering.
   • Following these charges, Adams demanded Combs return the key, signaling the seriousness of the accusations.

These incidents raise serious concerns about Adams’ judgment, ethics, and use of city resources for personal or political gain.

Sean “Diddy” Combs: A History of Deadly Negligence and Violence

1. 1991 City College Stampede

   • In December 1991, Combs and Heavy D organized a celebrity charity basketball game in Harlem.
   • The event was oversold, with 5,000 people attempting to enter a gym meant for 2,730.
   • The chaos led to a stampede, resulting in 9 deaths and 29 injuries.
   • Though no criminal charges were filed, Combs was sued by multiple families.

2. 1999 Club New York Shooting

   • In December 1999, Combs and then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez were present at Club New York when a shooting occurred, injuring three bystanders.
   • Combs was charged with weapons possession and bribery but acquitted.
   • Rapper Shyne, also present, was convicted and sentenced to 10 years.
   • Victim Natania Reuben, who was shot in the face, has consistently maintained that Combs was responsible.

These tragedies continue to haunt Combs’ legacy, as victims and their families still demand accountability.

New Yorkers: It’s Time to Take Back Our City

New Yorkers, we need to do better when choosing our leaders. We cannot afford another incompetent mayor or governor. This city belongs to us, and it’s time we act like it.

Bookmark this for the next election. Remember every failure, every betrayal, and every broken promise. Let Eric Adams know that no Black church, no unauthorized Masonic ceremony at Gracie Mansion, and no backdoor deals will save him next election.