New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing increased scrutiny as his administration deals with federal criminal investigations targeting top officials, culminating in the resignation of his chief counsel, Lisa Zornberg, BBC reported.
Lisa Zornberg’s resignation is the latest in a series of departures from Adams’ administration as federal probes continue into multiple high-ranking officials.
Zornberg resigned late on a Saturday night, just two days after Police Commissioner Edward Caban stepped down following a federal raid on his home. The investigations have intensified in recent months, placing mounting pressure on Adams’ administration. In a brief statement, Zornberg explained that she could no longer effectively serve in her position.
The resignation of Zornberg came shortly after New York Police Commissioner Edward Caban’s sudden departure, which followed a raid by federal investigators. Caban’s phone was seized during the raid, heightening concerns about the extent of the ongoing investigation. In response to Zornberg’s exit, Adams thanked her for her service but did not provide a specific reason for her departure. The mayor indicated that a replacement would be named "in the coming days."
Federal probes have focused on several members of Adams' inner circle, including First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III. Phones belonging to these officials were also reportedly seized, indicating a broadening investigation targeting multiple layers of leadership within the Adams administration.
The federal investigations have drawn attention to the administration since Adams was sworn in as mayor on January 1, 2022. In addition to the recent raids, previous inquiries focused on Brianna Suggs, Adams' chief fundraiser, who was implicated in a 2023 probe related to alleged illegal campaign contributions involving the Turkish government and other foreign entities. However, a source close to the recent investigations stated that these searches were unrelated to the Turkey case.
Zornberg, who had been a close legal and strategic advisor to Adams, regularly addressed media inquiries regarding the federal probes during weekly press conferences. Her sudden resignation raises questions about how the administration will navigate the growing number of investigations moving forward.
Following Zornberg's resignation, Mayor Adams emphasized that public service positions like Zornberg’s come with high expectations, and such roles can be taxing over time. "These are hard jobs, and we don't expect anyone to stay in them forever," Adams said in a statement, acknowledging the challenges of public office but stopping short of addressing the reasons for Zornberg’s departure in detail.
Zornberg expressed gratitude for her time in the administration, stating, "I am deeply grateful to Mayor Adams for giving me the opportunity to serve the city, and I strongly support the work he has done and continues to do for New Yorkers." She did not elaborate on the specific reasons behind her decision to leave but highlighted her appreciation for the mayor’s leadership.
As the federal probes continue, the pressure on Adams’ administration shows no sign of easing. Along with the investigations into campaign contributions, the recent actions taken against high-ranking officials suggest that the scope of federal scrutiny is widening. Adams has not publicly commented on whether he believes the investigations could lead to further resignations within his administration.
The resignation of Zornberg, following on the heels of Caban’s departure, adds another layer of complexity to the city’s political landscape. With several top officials under investigation and phones seized, it remains unclear how the administration will respond to the growing federal scrutiny.
The federal investigations, which initially focused on Adams' campaign finances, have now expanded to include multiple officials in key positions within the city government. Adams and his team have remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the investigations, leaving many questions unanswered as the federal probes continue.
As New York City’s mayor, Adams now faces the difficult task of steering the city through a period of uncertainty while maintaining public confidence in his administration. The lack of transparency surrounding the resignations and the ongoing investigations has raised concerns among city residents and political analysts.
The administration's legal strategy will likely shift in the coming days as Adams seeks to fill the vacancy left by Zornberg. The choice of her replacement could signal how the administration plans to approach the federal probes moving forward.
