New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently addressed claims by Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign that former President Donald Trump holds fascist views. Adams called the claims out and argued that they are misaligned with reality.
Adams warned that inflammatory rhetoric will ultimately harm American discourse, and urged for a step back in the intensity of political language. He also stressed the need for civil conversation despite disagreements.
“I have heard those terms hurled at me by some political leaders in the city, using terms like Hitler and fascist,” Adams said.
“I think, as I have called for over and over again, that the level of conversation, I think we can all dial down the temperature,” he said.
The debate arose following Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden, which the Harris campaign likened to a Nazi gathering.
“My answer is no, I know what Hitler has done and I know what a fascist regime looks like,” Adams noted when questioned as to whether he agreed.
Adams disagreed with stopping the rally and emphasized the importance of free speech.
He noted that New York City must ensure individuals can express their views peacefully.
“This is America. This is New York, and I think it’s important that we allow individuals to exercise their right to get their message clear to New Yorkers,” Adams said. “And our job as a city and as a Police Department is to make sure they can do that in a peaceful, in a peaceful way.”
Thousands of Trump supporters gathered for the rally, with some waiting overnight.
“This epic event, in the heart of President Trump’s home city, will be a showcase of the historic political movement that President Trump has built in the final days of the campaign,” a Trump campaign press release read.
The rally marked a key moment in Trump’s campaign.
