NEW YORK − Eric Adams, the indicted mayor of New York City, will meet President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Friday, as confirmed by an Adams spokesperson on Thursday evening.

“Mayor Adams has expressed his readiness to collaborate with President-elect Trump and his upcoming administration for the benefit of New Yorkers — this alliance with the federal government is vital for New York City’s progress,” stated Adams spokesman Fabien Levy.

“Tomorrow, Mayor Adams will have a discussion with President-elect Trump to address the needs of New Yorkers,” Levy added. “The mayor anticipates a fruitful dialogue with the incoming president on how we can advance both our city and our nation.”

In September, Adams was indicted on federal bribery, fraud, and campaign finance charges, making him the first sitting mayor of New York City to face criminal charges. The Justice Department accuses him of performing favors for the Turkish government in exchange for unlawful campaign contributions and complimentary international trips. He has pleaded not guilty and maintains his innocence.

Trump has hinted he might consider pardoning Adams, who is a Democrat.

The Adams administration has faced challenges, including the indictment of two aides and the resignation of key City Hall officials and a police commissioner following federal investigations.

Shifting Alliances: From Biden to Trump

The upcoming meeting with Trump illustrates the latest development in Adams’ fluctuating political image. Once a police officer and a former Republican who won the Democratic primary narrowly in 2021, he branded himself as the “face of the new Democratic Party” and referred to himself as the “Biden of Brooklyn” after a visit to the White House.

While he has criticized Trump in the past, complaining about his influence in the city and attacking House Republicans for politicizing crime issues, Adams’ stance towards the Biden administration has grown more strained. This tension arose as an influx of migrants overwhelmed the city’s resources, with the city’s right to shelter requiring it to offer accommodation to anyone in need.

In 2023, after denouncing the “irresponsibility” of both political parties in Washington for the migrant crisis and stating that Biden “failed” New York City, he was removed from Biden’s reelection campaign advisory council and was no longer a surrogate for the president.

Adams has suggested that his indictment is a form of political retaliation for his criticisms of the Biden administration.

He has also refrained from criticizing Trump, who has asserted that his own legal troubles regarding allegations of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election and mishandling classified documents are likewise politically motivated, appearing supportive of Adams.

“We were persecuted, Eric. I was persecuted, and so are you, Eric,” Trump publicly remarked to Adams during a charity dinner, to which Adams did not reject Trump’s backing.

“Yeah, I would,” Trump responded at a press conference in December when asked about the possibility of pardoning Adams. “I think that he was treated pretty unfairly.”

Despite endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, Adams did not comment on Trump’s controversial rally at Madison Square Garden in October.

Since Trump’s election, Adams has expressed a desire to collaborate with him. Last month, he met with Tom Homan, Trump’s incoming border czar.