In a tense appearance on ABC's The View, New York City Mayor Eric Adams fielded pointed questions about his recent actions concerning President-elect Donald Trump amid his own legal troubles.

Adams, currently facing federal criminal charges, defended his integrity and his recent remarks about Trump during an appearance on a national talk show broadcast, with some suggesting he may be hoping to receive a pardon, as Fox News reports.

The mayor, a Democrat, was recently indicted on multiple charges, including fraud, bribery, and corruption. These allegations stem from an investigation into campaign corruption.

In September, Adams entered a not-guilty plea during his initial federal court appearance.

During his appearance on The View, co-host Sunny Hostin pressed Adams about his perceived support for Trump.

Hostin suggested that Adams' actions might be a strategic attempt to garner a pardon or have the charges against him dismissed.

Adams responded by emphasizing the constraints he faces due to the ongoing litigation, expressing the challenges of not being able to publicly defend himself.

Adams Asserts Commitment to New York City's Welfare

The mayor reiterated his commitment to the safety and economic stability of New York City, citing his 22 years as a police officer and his achievements in office.

Adams highlighted his efforts in reducing crime, made since taking office nearly three years ago, which he said has increased housing and boosted the economy.

Despite the allegations, Adams continues to focus on his mayoral duties, stating, "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."

When Hostin further pressed on whether his recent actions were attempts to secure a pardon, Adams firmly stated, "I did nothing wrong."

Adams Criticizes Media's Treatment of Trump

Adams also took the opportunity to defend President-elect Trump against what he perceived as harsh media treatment. He criticized the media's extreme rhetoric, particularly the inappropriate comparisons of Trump to Adolf Hitler, which he found deeply insulting.

Highlighting the importance of civil discourse, Adams spoke about the need to lower the harsh political rhetoric, recalling former President Obama's call for unity.

"That was an insult to the millions of Jews and others who died -- we know what Hitler did and what I said to our country when I’m on the streets talking to my young people who are protesting on college campuses [with] Hamas signs and calling for the destruction of groups, I said we have to bring down this rhetoric. We have to start engaging in conversation. You know, [President] Obama said it right and I agreed. This is not the divided states, this is the United States. We are the greatest country on the globe and people are watching us name-calling," Adams explained.

In concluding his segment on the show, Adams stressed the need for America to reduce divisiveness and engage more constructively across political lines.

Public Reaction and Future Implications

The public and media reaction to Adams' appearance on The View has been mixed, with some supporting his call for reduced rhetoric and others skeptical of his motivations.

As the legal proceedings continue, the mayor's relationship with Trump and his political maneuvers will remain under close scrutiny.

This unfolding story will likely impact Adams' political career and leadership of New York City, as he navigates both his defense in court and his duties as mayor.