NYC Mayor Adams Rejects ‘Handout’ Approach in Fresh Anti-Socialism Remarks

New York City Mayor Eric Adams on 27 June repeated his criticism of socialist-style welfare proposals, saying the city would focus on expanding employment rather than offering what he called "handouts." Speaking in response to comments by New York Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, Adams said, "This is a city not of socialism… There is no dignity in someone giving you everything for free. There is dignity in giving you a job so you can provide for your family." Adams added that "New Yorkers are not looking for someone just to give them a handout," underscoring his administration’s preference for job-creation initiatives over direct cash or service transfers. While he did not unveil new policy measures, the remarks signal continued resistance at City Hall to proposals from the Democratic Socialists of America caucus in Albany that would expand publicly funded benefits.