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NYC Ethics Board Fines Eric Adams $4,000 Over City Hall 'Whistles' Stunt

The board said he admitted directing staff to place whistles at an official press event to cast a rival in a negative light.

Overview

  • The Conflicts of Interest Board announced Adams agreed to a $4,000 settlement for using city time, resources and personnel for a campaign purpose.
  • At an Aug. 22, 2025 City Hall press conference, staff put whistles on reporters’ chairs as a jab at then-opponent Andrew Cuomo.
  • In his signed disposition, Adams acknowledged violating the City Charter by ordering staff to distribute the items during work hours.
  • Adams later exited the 2025 mayoral race and endorsed Cuomo, who ultimately lost the election to Zohran Mamdani.
  • The board also fined Council Member Joann Ariola $2,000 over use of the City Council seal in a political post and Mayor’s Office aide Grant Yanney $400 for using a city email to promote a campaign event, while an Adams spokesperson denied any misuse of public funds.