The Troubling Parallels Between Mayor Adams and Donald Trump
A Familiar Rhetoric: Insults and Polarization
When New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently invoked Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf during a reelection rally and dismissed his Black critics as “Negroes” in need of God’s forgiveness, the eerie resemblance to former President Donald Trump’s communication style was hard to ignore. Like Trump, Adams has embraced a rhetoric of division, insults, and derisive nicknames to rally his base and lash out at adversaries. While this approach catapulted Trump into the White House, it is unlikely to serve Adams well in a city as politically and culturally diverse as New York.
Trump’s ability to alienate large segments of the population while still maintaining a loyal base was a hallmark of his political career. He thrived on controversy, using it to energize his supporters and dominate media coverage. However, this strategy is far less viable for a Black mayor in a city where building coalitions and bridging divides is essential to governance. Adams’ recent comments have only deepened the divide, alienating key constituencies and raising questions about his judgment and leadership.
Invoking Hitler and King: A Misstep with Jewish Leaders
During a rally at Brooklyn’s Rehoboth Cathedral, Adams drew parallels between his critics and Adolf Hitler, referencing Mein Kampf—the Nazi leader’s autobiographical manifesto. He claimed that his opponents were spreading lies, much like Hitler did, and framed the situation as a “modern-day Mein Kampf.” While Adams also invoked Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., citing the civil rights leader’s warnings about the dangers of repeating lies, the comparison to Hitler was both tone-deaf and offensive.
The Jewish community in New York was understandably outraged by the reference to Mein Kampf, a book that represents one of the darkest chapters in human history. Adams’ remark not only trivialized the horrors of the Holocaust but also undermined his own message of unity and justice. It was a misstep that overshadowed his broader critique of his critics and further polarized the city.
Blasphemous Rhetoric: Adams’ Biblical Misfire
Adams’ comments took another troubling turn during a Black History Month event at Gracie Mansion. Addressing his Black critics, who have called for his resignation amid federal corruption charges, Adams invoked a biblical analogy, comparing himself to Jesus on the cross. “You know, when Jesus was on the cross, he said, ‘God, forgive them, for they know not what they do,’” Adams said. “All these Negroes who are asking me to step down, God forgive them. Are you stupid? I’m running my race right now.”
The use of the term “Negroes” was particularly jarring, evoking a bygone era of racial insensitivity. Moreover, Adams’ biblical reference was both self-aggrandizing and blasphemous. Unlike Jesus, who prayed for forgiveness for his persecutors with sincerity and humility, Adams mocked his critics and dismissed them as ignorant. The imagery of Adams as a martyr on the cross, wrongly persecuted by his enemies, rings hollow when he is under investigation for corruption and faces calls for accountability.
The Irony of It All: A Grain of Truth Amidst the Chaos
Amidst the chaos of Adams’ rhetoric, there is a kernel of truth: calls for his resignation or removal by Governor Kathy Hochul are premature, especially in the absence of a conviction. Adams is correct in asserting that voters, not political elites, should decide his fate. The Democratic primary is approaching, and if New Yorkers believe he has failed the city, they can choose to replace him at the ballot box.
However, Adams’ inflammatory rhetoric has only undermined his case. His Trump-like tendency to demonize critics and frame himself as a victim erodes trust and credibility. While he may rally a loyal base, he risks alienating the broader coalition necessary to govern effectively in a city like New York.
A Crown of Thorns: The Cost of hubris
Despite the mounting criticism and corruption charges, Adams appears unfazed. During a recent visit to a high school in SoHo, he dismissed his political opponents as “haters” and bragged about his success, saying, “My haters are now my waiters at the table of success.” The rhetoric is reminiscent of Trump’s boasts about his achievements and his tendency to belittle opponents.
Yet, for all the bravado, Adams’ approach carries risks. New Yorkers expect their leaders to rise above petty feuds and work toward solutions that benefit the city. By embracing a divisive, Trump-like style, Adams not only alienates potential allies but also distracts from the pressing challenges facing the city. The question is whether his strategy will ultimately cost him the “crown” he so bitterly clings to.
A Final Comparison: Adams, Trump, and the Limits of Divisive Leadership
The similarities between Adams and Trump are striking. Both men thrive on controversy, use inflammatory rhetoric to rally their base, and frame themselves as victims of unjust persecution. But there is a critical difference: Trump’s base was large and loyal enough to propel him to the presidency, even as he alienated large swathes of the population. In New York, however, such a strategy is far less sustainable.
Adams’ recent comments have not only deepened divides but also raised questions about his fitness for office. While he may succeed in energizing his core supporters, he risks losing the broader support necessary to govern effectively. As the city grapples with issues like crime, affordable housing, and economic recovery, New Yorkers deserve a leader who unites rather than divides. Adams would do well to learn from Trump’s playbook—but also to remember its limitations.
