Public Advocate Jumaane Williams expressed to an enthusiastic gathering at a Manhattan demonstration Thursday that “white supremacists” are delighted with the direction the country is taking under President Trump’s leadership, while also questioning Mayor Eric Adams’ absence during ICE raids in the city.
“All the white supremacists are excited,” he said to whoops and hollers in agreement at the Foley Square protest against Trump’s travel ban.
Williams shook his fist and demanded to know what Adams was doing while New Yorkers were getting “kidnapped,” a reference to ICE arrests.
He also criticized the mayor’s position on NYPD brass golfing with Trump earlier this week.
“We’re in a frightening situation and I must highlight that Mayor Eric Adams is missing in action in a city brimming with immigrants,” he stated to a chorus of boos.
“Where are you?” Williams yelled.
Williams has long used the bully pulpit of his office to attack the mayor.
When demands for Adams’ resignation reached a peak following his federal indictment last September, Williams entertained the idea of stepping into the mayoral role. According to the city’s charter, the Public Advocate is the next in line if the current mayor is unable to fulfill their duties.
Surrounded by protesters holding signs that read “Immigrants Are New York!” and “No Travel Ban,” Williams lashed out against the president and the mayor, while referencing the clashes in Los Angeles.
“We’re in some tough situations,” he said. “But I believe in the resolve of a better America. I believe in those of us – even in the dark times — who refuse to allow the darkness to overwhelm us.”
When Williams finished speaking, a few counter-protesters approached the crowd and started shouting “no more cheap labor” and “the days of cheap labor are over.”
The far left activist turned politician is leading in the polls in his bid for a second term as Public Advocate, an office described as the city’s ombudsman.
He is leading with a double-digit margin even in the most hostile polls in a contentious race against Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar, who represents Queens’ 38th district.
The two clashed in the hour-long final debate Thursday night.
In the final debate, Rajkumar attacked Williams for being lazy at his job.
“It’s not enough to sleep until noon and then write a press release criticizing Mayor Adams,” she said.
Williams responded with a familiar trope of his when under attack: comparing Rajkumar to Adams, whom he routinely compares to Trump.
“When you don’t know how this office works or what to do with it. You come up with Trumpy attacks that you get from Twitter, or you get from Mayor Eric Adams,” Williams shot back at his challenger.
The citywide position doesn’t hold much power, but it has been the launching pad to more prestigious political office. Attorney General Letitia James and former Mayor Bill de Blasio both held the position.
