NYC Mayor Eric Adams opens legal defense fund amid campaign probe

New York City Mayor Eric Adams launched a legal defense fund in the wake of a corruption investigation in his campaign, according to documents filed Wednesday.

The Eric Adams Legal Defense Trust, first reported by Politico, enables the mayor to raise money to pay legal fees without violating strict city laws on politicians receiving gifts.

The investigation into Adams’ mayoral campaign centers on allegations that the campaign facilitated illegal donations from interests in Turkey, colluding with the Turkish government. 

The FBI raided the home of a senior Adams aide Brianna Suggs, sparking a frenzied response from the mayor’s office.

Adams has denied responsibility or knowledge of illegal Turkish donations, and has not directly been accused of wrongdoing.