Outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams has leveled serious accusations against the Biden administration’s Department of Justice, claiming it engaged in “lawfare” against political opponents, including himself and former President Donald Trump.

During an appearance on Fox News’ “The Story” Monday, Adams criticized what he described as the weaponization of the Justice Department under President Biden’s administration.

“I think what we have witnessed under President Biden’s Justice Department, Americans should never have to live through that again,” Adams said. “You saw everyday Americans who fought for the education of their children being put on watch lists… you saw the raiding of President Trump’s home.”

The Democratic mayor, who will leave office at the end of the year, specifically referenced several controversial incidents, including actions against conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the FBI’s search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in connection with mishandling of classified documents.

“The Justice Department under the previous administration used lawfare to go after those who disagree with them,” Adams asserted.

His comments carry particular weight given his own recent legal battles. In September 2024, Adams was indicted on federal corruption charges related to bribery, wire fraud, and allegedly accepting illegal foreign campaign contributions from Turkish officials and businessmen. He pleaded not guilty to all charges, which were later dropped at the request of the Trump administration after the presidential election.

When asked if he felt the same anger about alleged DOJ overreach before becoming a target himself, Adams emphasized his lifelong commitment to criminal justice reform. “Personal experience allows us to see firsthand the abuse,” he acknowledged. “I spent my entire life, not only as a police officer, but as a state senator and borough president fighting against injustices.”

Adams noted that his perspective on government overreach was shaped by his own experiences with law enforcement as a young man. “If you were to go back and look at my life story on criminal justice reform and not abuse, it goes back to being a young man who was abused at the hands of law enforcement,” he said.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Adams maintained that the case against him was politically motivated, suggesting it stemmed from his criticism of how the Biden administration handled immigration issues. However, prosecutors from the Southern District of New York countered this narrative, noting in court filings that the investigation into Adams began in September 2021, predating both his mayoral election victory and his public criticism of federal immigration policies.

The timing and eventual dismissal of charges against Adams have added fuel to ongoing debates about the independence of the Justice Department and allegations of politicization of the legal system. These concerns have been particularly pronounced during the contentious political climate of recent years.

Adams’ accusations come as he prepares to hand over leadership of America’s largest city to Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at the start of the new year. During the transition period, Adams has not shied away from expressing concerns about New York City’s future, recently warning that the city is “not fine” following Mamdani’s election.

The outgoing mayor’s comments reflect broader Republican criticisms of the Biden Justice Department, which have intensified following Trump’s legal challenges across multiple jurisdictions. They also highlight the increasingly partisan lens through which many Americans view federal law enforcement actions.

As Adams prepares to exit public office, his allegations add another voice to the contentious debate about the proper role of the Justice Department and the line between legitimate law enforcement and political targeting.