Adams, the top Democrat in one of the nation’s most liberal cities, has faced backlash from critics concerned about his growing alignment with Trump and his strict immigration policies. Previously a registered Republican in the 1990s and early 2000s, Adams has spent his political career within the Democratic Party, but his recent comments suggest a shift in his stance.

In an interview with NY1, Adams was asked about the prospect of rejoining the GOP and left the door open, stating, “The party that's the most important for me is the American party... I love this country. This is the home of the free, the land of the brave.”

Later, during a PIX11 interview, he confirmed his intent to run for reelection as a Democrat but maintained some flexibility regarding his future political identity. “No matter what party I'm on or vote on, I'm going to push for the American values,” he said, urging leaders to prioritize solutions over political squabbling.

Adams, who campaigned on a centrist platform, has increasingly clashed with the progressive faction of his party. His rhetoric has notably shifted rightward following Trump’s election, especially concerning immigration. He has expressed openness to revising the city’s sanctuary policies and plans to meet with Trump’s top border official about what he described as a “rising illegal alien crime rate” in New York City.

Additionally, Adams has praised figures associated with Trump, including Elon Musk, who has alleged that Democrats are “importing” migrants for electoral gain. “This is a racehorse that wanted to run its right pace, and we've been holding back that racehorse out of fear of being canceled,” he remarked on Tuesday.

These developments come as Adams grapples with federal corruption charges while preparing for a reelection bid. He has pleaded not guilty to accusations of accepting freebies and illegal campaign contributions from individuals seeking to influence him, including connections to Turkey.

Critics argue that Adams' recent rhetoric signals a self-serving attempt to align with Trump in hopes of securing a pardon in his corruption case. State Assembly member Zohran Mamdani, who is running against Adams in the primary, stated, “Eric Adams continues to sound more like he is auditioning for a job in right-wing media than running for reelection in a Democratic primary.”

State Senator Zellnor Myrie, also challenging Adams, emphasized the need for a mayor who genuinely represents Democratic values, stating, “At a time when the Republican Party has never been more out of line with New York values, we need a mayor who isn't scared to call himself a Democrat.”

Despite his recent comments, Adams has distanced himself from potential plans by the Trump administration for mass deportations, clarifying, “I’m not for mass deportation, but I’m not for mass saturation.” His shifting stance marks a significant departure from his previous position, particularly his statements in June 2021, when he spoke about protecting the rights of immigrant New Yorkers who fear the repercussions of the Trump era.