Adams ‘Hasn’t Been Feeling His Best,’ City Hall Says in Late-Night Disclosure
Mayor’s Office Announces Limited Public Schedule Due to Unspecified Medical Situation
Mayor Eric Adams cleared his public schedule this week for multiple doctor appointments and tests, with his office stating that he "hasn’t been feeling his best" but will still do his job.
Limited Public Schedule
Fabien Levy, the mayor’s deputy mayor of communications, announced in social media posts late Sunday that Adams will have a "limited" public schedule due to an unspecified medical situation.
"Like every other New Yorker, Mayor Adams has a right to privacy when it comes to personal matters, but we will continue to communicate in the unlikely event he is unable to fully discharge his duties on any particular day," Levy posted.
Comparisons to Previous Mayors
Since taking office in 2022, Adams twice cleared most of his schedule while disclosing he had tested positive for COVID. On both those occasions, he shared that diagnosis publicly.
Spokesperson’s Statement
Spokesperson Kayla Mamalek-Altus said on Monday that Adams is "still doing his job, just not feeling his best so seeing doctors and not doing public events."
Plan in Place for Temporary Disability
If the mayor becomes temporarily unable to serve, his first deputy mayor, Maria Torres-Springer, will fill in, the mayor’s team said, although the City Charter states that the public advocate assumes the roles and responsibilities of the mayor if he is sick. Asked about the apparent discrepancy, Mamalek-Altus said it’s "because we’re just talking about this week. Not like he’s stepping down."
Recent Controversies
Sunday night’s announcement came a week after Adams was widely criticized for abruptly cancelling his planned Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day appearances to rush to Washington, D.C. after receiving a last-minute invitation to the inauguration. He ended up watching President Donald Trump’s swearing-in from an overflow room.
Upcoming Trial
Adams has denied speculation that he has lobbied Trump for a pardon even as he has claimed, without evidence, that the charges against him were brought by a politically vengeful Biden administration upset that the Democratic mayor of America’s biggest city had publicly criticized its border policies. The historic trial of the sitting mayor on corruption charges is set to begin on April 21, just two months before New York City’s Democratic primary.
Campaign Challenges
Adams has run a low-profile campaign operation while struggling recently to raise money for both the re-election and his legal defense fund. He doesn’t have a website, a known campaign office, or much staff.
Comparisons to Previous Mayors’ Health Issues
Other New York City mayors have at times disclosed their health issues. In 1987, reporters extensively covered then-Mayor Ed Koch’s stroke — including interviews with his doctors. In 2000, then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment was also reported in detail.
Conclusion
It is unclear what the specific medical situation is that has led to Adams’ limited public schedule, but his office has assured that he will continue to do his job despite not feeling his best.
FAQs
- What is the reason for Mayor Adams’ limited public schedule?
Mayor Adams is dealing with an unspecified medical situation and has a limited public schedule as a result. - Who will fill in if the mayor becomes temporarily unable to serve?
First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer will fill in, according to the mayor’s team. - Have previous New York City mayors disclosed their health issues?
Yes, previous mayors such as Ed Koch and Rudy Giuliani have disclosed their health issues, including medical conditions and treatment.
