The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Aug. 13, 2025
Embattled New York City mayor Eric Adams was again denied matching funds from the city’s public campaign funding program, this time for allegations his campaign violated the law. It’s the 10th time he’s been denied.
Adams is running for re-election as an independent, in what’s likely to be one of the most expensive mayoral races in city history – and he’s short on cash.
The Biden U.S. Department of Justice charged the mayor in September 2024 with taking campaign donations from foreign nationals and businessmen, and accepting luxury travel in exchange for favors. Trump’s DOJ dropped the charges in April, reportedly in exchange for supporting Trump’s immigration actions in the city.
Reporting by news outlet The City shows the Adams campaign may have accepted contributions from out of state donors, violating eligibility rules for public funding by the New York City Campaign Finance Board. For the 10th time, the board has denied Adams’ request for millions in matching funds.
Board Chair Frederick Schaffer said in a statement, “The Board determined Mayor Adams’ campaign has failed to demonstrate eligibility for public funds payment at this time on two grounds: one, failure to provide requested information, and two, reason to believe the campaign violated the law,” he said. “As stewards of taxpayer dollars, we are committed to enforcing the rules fairly and equally to all candidates.”
We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
U.S. Department of Justice – New York City Mayor Eric Adams Charged With Bribery And Campaign Finance Offenses
American Democracy Minute – (2024) NYC’s Embattled Mayor Denied $4.5 Million in Matching Funds from City’s Public Campaign Finance Funding System
American Democracy Minute – Report Suggests NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ Reelection Campaign May Have Violated Contribution Rules – Again
New York City Campaign Finance Board – Dispersements and Statement Regarding Mayor Eric Adams
Politico – NYC campaign finance board denies Mayor Eric Adams millions in matching funds
Groups Taking Action:
Common Cause NY, C.R.E.W., Brennan Center for Justice
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
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