The Stephen A. Smith Show: In-Depth Conversation with NYC Mayor Eric Adams Release Date: January 23, 2025

Hosted by Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, Stephen A. Smith engages in a candid one-on-one interview with Eric Adams, the Mayor of New York City. The discussion delves deep into Adams' administration, addressing pressing issues such as politics, diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), the migrant crisis, crime, and his interactions with former President Donald Trump.

Trump's Inauguration and Executive Orders

Stephen A. Smith opens the conversation by highlighting the rapid actions taken by former President Donald Trump upon his inauguration, including the signing of 46 executive orders.

Stephen A. Smith [00:35]:
"Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States of America and went straight to work within hours of his swearing-in ceremony."

Adams expresses his concerns regarding Trump's pardoning decisions related to the January 6th Capitol riots and the suspension of federal employees involved in DEI roles.

Eric Adams [26:34]:
"At the heart of this is that I was doing my job of telling the fire department, can you do an inspection on a building? This is something, when I sit down with my colleagues, they say, 'Eric, are you kidding me?'"
(Timestamp: 26:34)

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

The conversation shifts to DEI, where both hosts discuss its origins and current perceptions.

Stephen A. Smith [09:00]:
"I'm sick and tired of folks bringing up DEI as if it's a bad thing to bring up."

Adams underscores the necessity of DEI, citing historical injustices and the need for fair opportunities irrespective of ethnicity or gender.

Eric Adams [61:06]:
"The goal is, how do you give opportunities to people regardless of their ethnicity, their gender, their lifestyle? That's what I believe it should be."
(Timestamp: 61:06)

Eric Adams' Administration: Accomplishments and Challenges

Adams highlights his administration's achievements, including job creation, support for small businesses, and educational advancements.

Eric Adams [17:12]:
"We have more jobs in the city's history. More small businesses are open. Black and brown businesses have received billions of dollars in contracts from the city."
(Timestamp: 17:12)

Conversely, he addresses the lack of media recognition for these successes and the obstacles posed by his recent indictment.

Eric Adams [25:11]:
"They didn't highlight their message. They didn't highlight the largest city in America. They didn't highlight a person of color as mayor lifting up this city."
(Timestamp: 25:11)

The Migrant Crisis in New York City

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the influx of 220,000 migrants and asylum seekers into NYC, the financial strain it caused, and the city's response.

Eric Adams [33:54]:
"220,000 migrants and asylum seekers came to the city, 1.5 the size of Albany. So a whole city was dropped in our cities."
(Timestamp: 33:54)

He critiques the federal government's inadequate financial support and the long-term impacts on city infrastructure and services.

Eric Adams [37:05]:
"We were told this, it's illegal for you to allow them to work. You can't allow the buses to come. You can't stop the buses from coming in."
(Timestamp: 37:05)

Crime and Public Safety

Addressing crime, Adams presents statistics that show a decrease in shootings and homicides, contrasting them with high-profile violent incidents that shape public perception.

Eric Adams [40:06]:
"A crime is perceived in actual and our failure, I tell the team we lost the perception because when you have incidents that overshadow your success."
(Timestamp: 40:06)

He emphasizes the challenges of recidivism and the need to address mental health issues to further reduce crime rates.

Eric Adams [41:15]:
"We have people with severe mental health illness. When I first got elected, I went into the streets and told the team, we can't live like this. This is inhumane."
(Timestamp: 41:15)

Two-Party System and Its Impact on the Black Community

Stephen A. Smith and Adams delve into the shortcomings of the two-party system, discussing how it has failed the black community over the years.

Stephen A. Smith [48:29]:
"The two-party system has been in charge of our government and look at the regression that has taken place within our nation."
(Timestamp: 48:29)

Adams advocates for a more nuanced approach, highlighting the importance of building bridges and fostering communication across political divides.

Eric Adams [52:11]:
"We need to start talking about governing right now. We cannot have generation after generation of different administrations, but we're still going through the same hell."
(Timestamp: 52:11)

Interactions with Donald Trump and Federal Support

The discussion touches upon Adams' meetings with Donald Trump, countering critics who suggest these interactions are solely for personal legal benefits.

Eric Adams [31:28]:
"This is the President of the United States. I'm the mayor of the largest city in America. Why are people asking, is the mayor of the largest city in America going down to meet with the president?"
(Timestamp: 31:28)

He underscores the essential support needed from the federal government to manage NYC's complex challenges effectively.

Eric Adams [57:34]:
"It's imperative everything from our educational funding. You look at many of the grants that allow us to do infrastructure building."
(Timestamp: 57:34)

Future Outlook and Election Plans

Adams confirms his intention to run for re-election in 2025 despite ongoing legal challenges, focusing on his commitment to the city and its residents.

Eric Adams [28:27]:
"I did nothing wrong. I should not have been charged. And my job is that I was elected to represent the city of New York."
(Timestamp: 28:27)

When questioned about potential rivals like former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Adams emphasizes his focus on personal performance rather than political competition.

Eric Adams [69:28]:
"I'm running against myself. Play my best game. If I play my best game, it doesn't matter who's in the race."
(Timestamp: 69:28)

Closing Remarks

As the conversation wraps up, Adams reflects on his role as a leader and his dedication to fostering unity and progress within New York City.

Eric Adams [68:20]:
"We have to encourage them to come out and vote. The overwhelming majority of New Yorkers are just like you. I want to provide for our family and make sure they have a future."
(Timestamp: 68:20)

Stephen A. Smith concludes the episode by appreciating the insightful discussion and reinforcing the importance of Adams' leadership.

Notable Quotes with Speaker Attribution and Timestamps

• Stephen A. Smith [09:00]:
  "I'm sick and tired of folks bringing up DEI as if it's a bad thing to bring up."

• Eric Adams [17:12]:
  "We have more jobs in the city's history. More small businesses are open. Black and brown businesses have received billions of dollars in contracts from the city."

• Eric Adams [33:54]:
  "220,000 migrants and asylum seekers came to the city, 1.5 the size of Albany. So a whole city was dropped in our cities."

• Eric Adams [40:06]:
  "A crime is perceived in actual and our failure, I tell the team we lost the perception because when you have incidents that overshadow your success."

• Eric Adams [52:11]:
  "We need to start talking about governing right now. We cannot have generation after generation of different administrations, but we're still going through the same hell."

• Eric Adams [68:20]:
  "We have to encourage them to come out and vote. The overwhelming majority of New Yorkers are just like you. I want to provide for our family and make sure they have a future."

Conclusion

This episode offers a comprehensive look into Mayor Eric Adams' tenure in New York City, highlighting his administration's successes, the challenges posed by political dynamics, and his vision for the future. Through honest dialogue, both hosts navigate complex issues, providing listeners with valuable insights into the governance of one of the world's most influential cities.