Mayor Eric Adams hosted a private reception at Gracie Mansion, featuring high-ranking officials from Albania and members of the local Albanian community, just one month after his surprise trip to the Balkan nation. The event was kept off Adams' public schedule, with only a last-minute confirmation issued by his office.
Among those in attendance were Albania's deputy minister of foreign affairs, Megi Fino, and ambassador Ervin Bushati, according to the mayor's office. This gathering marks the latest instance of Adams' increasingly close ties with Albania as he prepares for his departure from office.
Adams has cultivated a strong rapport with Albania, having held three flag-raisings in honor of the country and taking his son Jordan Coleman to compete in an "American Idol"-inspired contest there in 2022. During this trip, the Albanian government covered Adams' expenses.
The event was sponsored by the Albanian Americans Relations Council, a nonprofit focused on fostering dialogue between Albania and the US. Notably, this reception deviated from typical cultural events attended by the mayor, which often come with publicly available transcripts of his remarks. This secrecy has raised eyebrows among observers.
In an earlier interview, Adams hinted at potential post-mayoralty plans, stating that "countries are calling me" to work for foreign governments. The US has yet to nominate a new ambassador to Albania since the Trump administration dropped the position.
While details about last night's reception remain scarce, it's clear that Adams remains close with Albania's leaders and community. About 100 attendees took part in the event, which included food and drinks.
Among those in attendance were Albania's deputy minister of foreign affairs, Megi Fino, and ambassador Ervin Bushati, according to the mayor's office. This gathering marks the latest instance of Adams' increasingly close ties with Albania as he prepares for his departure from office.
Adams has cultivated a strong rapport with Albania, having held three flag-raisings in honor of the country and taking his son Jordan Coleman to compete in an "American Idol"-inspired contest there in 2022. During this trip, the Albanian government covered Adams' expenses.
The event was sponsored by the Albanian Americans Relations Council, a nonprofit focused on fostering dialogue between Albania and the US. Notably, this reception deviated from typical cultural events attended by the mayor, which often come with publicly available transcripts of his remarks. This secrecy has raised eyebrows among observers.
In an earlier interview, Adams hinted at potential post-mayoralty plans, stating that "countries are calling me" to work for foreign governments. The US has yet to nominate a new ambassador to Albania since the Trump administration dropped the position.
While details about last night's reception remain scarce, it's clear that Adams remains close with Albania's leaders and community. About 100 attendees took part in the event, which included food and drinks.
It feels like the mayor is trying to curry favor with the Albanians or something. I know he said his trip was a goodwill gesture, but last month it was just him showing up out of nowhere. And now this private reception at Gracie Mansion? That's some top-secret stuff right there... 
Who knew Adams was so tight with Albania anyway? 
He held that flag-raising ceremony for them back in 2022 and they even covered his expenses... it's like he's trying to make friends or something. And what's the deal with this Albanian Americans Relations Council sponsoring the event? That nonprofit sounds shady... 
I mean, what's really going on here? He keeps these super exclusive events under wraps, while his public schedule is full of grandstanding moments. It feels like he's playing both sides, and we're not getting the full picture. 
. And let's not forget that Albanian government footed his expenses last time he visited - what's the real cost of those "diplomatic" trips? 
. This reception might be a strategic move to get Adams closer to Albania's leaders before he even leaves office 
. The US hasn't even nominated an new ambassador since the Trump admin - what's the real agenda here? 
... one month after his trip to Balkans 
! He's got a rep for being all about Albania now 
, even raisin' that flag three times 
, especially since they covered his expenses back in 2022 
.
, not like the usual cultural events where he gives us a transcript of what he said 
. Guess it's all part of buildin' those bridges with Albania 
... but some people are wonderin' what's goin' on behind closed doors 
.
, which got everyone curious 
!
. I mean, one month after the surprise trip, and now he's hosting this private reception? It seems like a pretty convenient way for him to be seen as close buddies with Albania 
. I guess we'll have to wait and see what Adams has planned next, but for now, it just feels like a whole lot of suspiciously cozy diplomacy 
. First, it was just a flag-raising ceremony, then his son went to some singing competition... and now a private reception at Gracie Mansion? That's like a whole different level of politicking 
.
That's insane! Anyway, back to this news... Adams' ties with Albania are getting more interesting by the day. He's hosted like, 3 flag-raising events for the country already and now he's got a bunch of high-ranking officials and community members hangin out at Gracie Mansion. I mean, what's good? 
I'm just curious, what do you guys think about this whole thing? Is it good for NYC or is it some kinda sneaky politickin'? Let's discuss! 