High-Profile NYC Adviser Steps Down Amidst Controversy and Investigations

Lisa Zornberg, the top legal adviser to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, abruptly resigned over the weekend amid escalating federal investigations, leaving the administration in turmoil.

At a Glance

Lisa Zornberg, NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ chief legal adviser, resigned suddenly
Her resignation comes amid multiple ongoing federal investigations
Federal authorities have seized phones from several members of Adams’ inner circle
The resignation follows that of NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban
Mayor Adams denies any knowledge of wrongdoing

Sudden Departure Amid Ongoing Probes

Lisa Zornberg, who served as the chief legal adviser to New York City Mayor Eric Adams for over a year, tendered her resignation abruptly over the weekend. This unexpected departure comes as the Adams administration faces mounting pressure from multiple federal investigations. Zornberg’s exit is the latest in a series of high-profile departures, signaling growing instability within City Hall.

In her brief resignation letter to Mayor Adams, Zornberg wrote, “It has been a great honor to serve the City. I am tendering my resignation, effective today, as I have concluded that I can no longer effectively serve in my position. I wish you nothing but the best.” The terseness of her statement has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about the reasons behind her sudden exit.

The top legal adviser to New York City Mayor Eric Adams resigned abruptly over the weekend, the latest sign of instability in the Democrat's administration as it deals with multiple federal investigations. https://t.co/mKRk0s1PSU

— ABC News (@ABC) September 15, 2024

Federal Investigations Cast Shadow Over City Hall

The resignation comes in the wake of federal authorities seizing phones from multiple members of Adams’ inner circle. While the specific subjects of these investigations remain undisclosed, the scope appears to be broad. Devices were confiscated from the head of the public schools system, a top deputy mayor, and two of Adams’ chief advisers on public safety issues.

“The timing [of Zornberg’s resignation] couldn’t look — or be — worse,” political pundit Ken Frydman told The Post. “She left her client — Eric Adams — without a chief counsel just when he and City Hall need one most.”

Adding to the administration’s woes, separate investigations have involved the seizure of phones from Mayor Adams himself and searches of homes linked to his campaign fundraisers and director of Asian affairs. These developments have cast a long shadow over City Hall, raising questions about the integrity of the administration and its ability to govern effectively.

Administration in Turmoil

Zornberg’s departure is not an isolated incident. It follows closely on the heels of NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban’s resignation, who cited the “distraction” created by news of the investigations as his reason for stepping down. These high-level departures have left the administration scrambling to maintain stability and public confidence.

“We appreciate all the work Lisa has done for our administration and, more importantly, the city over the past 13 months,” Adams said in a statement. “These are hard jobs and we don’t expect anyone to stay in them forever. We wish Lisa all the best in her future endeavors.”

Despite the mayor’s attempts to downplay the significance of these departures, city council members have expressed growing concern. Councilwoman Joann Ariola described the situation as “really emblematic of the turmoil we are seeing at the heights of city government.” This sentiment echoes throughout the city’s political circles, with many questioning the administration’s ability to navigate these turbulent times.

As federal investigations continue and key personnel depart, the Adams administration faces an uphill battle to restore public trust and maintain effective governance. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether City Hall can weather this storm or if more shake-ups are on the horizon.