Four of New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ top deputies submitted their resignation letters on Monday, February 17th, raising further questions about the stability of his administration following the Justice Department’s decision to drop the corruption case against him.
First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer, Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom, and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Chauncey Parker announced their departures. While City Hall officials have indicated the resignations are not yet final, sources say the four intend to leave their positions by next month. A spokesperson for the Adams administration said officials are working toward a “smooth transition” to determine replacements for the outgoing deputy mayors.
Although the resignations were not explicitly linked to the corruption case dismissal, sources familiar with the matter say concerns have emerged over the Adams administration’s ability to function effectively amid growing scrutiny. Some city officials and lawmakers have questioned Adams’ relationship with the Trump administration after federal prosecutors moved to dismiss the case against him last week.
Torres-Springer, Williams-Isom, and Joshi acknowledged the events of recent weeks as a factor in their decision. “Due to the extraordinary events of the last few weeks and to stay faithful to the oaths we swore to New Yorkers and our families, we have come to the difficult decision to step down from our roles,” they said in a joint statement.
Parker separately expressed gratitude for his role in the administration. “Serving as deputy mayor for public safety under Mayor Adams has been an honor of a lifetime. Together, we have made our streets safer, more just, and have improved quality of life for all New Yorkers,” he said.
Mayor Adams acknowledged the resignations but remained firm in his commitment to leading the city. “I am disappointed to see them go, but given the current challenges, I understand their decision and wish them nothing but success in the future,” Adams said. “But let me be crystal clear: New York City will keep moving forward, just as it does every day.”
He emphasized that the departing deputy mayors would remain in their roles to ensure a seamless transition. “The people of New York City remain, without question, our top priority. I am solely beholden to the 8.3 million New Yorkers I represent, and I will always put this city first — as I always have,” Adams concluded.
