New York Times calls for Adams's resignation

The editorial board of The New York Times is calling on Eric Adams to resign as mayor of the city.

Adams, who was indicted this week and accused of taking illegal campaign contributions and other corruption allegations, is "entitled to make a vigorous defense," the Times wrote in an editorial published on Thursday.

"But that does not mean he must force New York City to wait for him to prove his innocence under the law," the outlet said. "To serve the city that elected him, Mr. Adams should immediately resign and turn City Hall over to someone untainted by criminal charges and endless investigations."

A defiant Adams has insisted he is innocent and vowed on Thursday to fight the charges he faces from the Southern District of New York. He has not indicated any plans to resign.

"The challenge of governing the city is daunting for even the best mayors, and the specter of widespread corruption in the Adams administration has little precedent," the Times wrote, noting Adams is the first sitting mayor of New York to ever face criminal indictment.

"Other top city officials have also resigned, apparently no longer willing to associate themselves with the Adams administration," the paper continued. "A further exodus of competent city administrators will only add to the chaos."