Sunny Hostin Straight Up Asks Eric Adams Whether He’s ‘Embraced Trump’ Because He’s ‘Hoping For a Pardon’

After a segment on The View in which he defended President-Elect Donald Trump on a variety of issues, New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) was asked whether he was laying the groundwork for a presidential pardon if he’s convicted on federal bribery charges.

“Back in September, you were indicted on charges that alleged you accepted luxury travel perks and illegal campaign contributions from a Turkish official who was seeking political favors,” began co-host Sunny Hostin. “Now, a few members of your inner circle have also been indicted. More are under investigation. I understand you have pled not guilty. You continue to run the city. But critics are suggesting that you have recently embraced Trump, perhaps because you want either the charges dropped or perhaps a pardon from President-elect Trump. What’s your response to those critics?”

“You know, I think nothing is more challenging than…not being able to defend yourself in public,” Adams said before Joy Behar declared, “You have the floor.”

Hostin jumped in with, “Well, he can’t talk about the case, but you can talk about whether or not you believe that your recent embracing of Trump, your critics are saying, is because you hope for a pardon or you hope to get some sort of charges perhaps dropped.”

Adams responded:

I’ve said it over and over again. I did nothing wrong. I spent 40 years of my life, 22 of them as a police officer, protecting the children and families of this city. I’m consistent of that. I live my life the way I expect everyday New Yorkers are supposed to live their life. I have a legal team. They’re going to manage that case.

My job is to do what I’ve done since January 1st, 2022. Make sure crime goes down in the city, record number of housing built through the city, turn around our economy and make sure as you leave this place that you could enjoy the safety of the city. That’s my job. I’ve lived up to that and the challenges that we face in life. Can you continue to do the job that you were elected to do? And the numbers are clear, I’m doing that every day.

Adams, who is running for re-election, faces 45 years in prison if he goes to trial and is found guilty on all counts.

Watch the clip above via ABC’s The View.