Eric Adams evades question when asked if he is "embracing" Trump to obtain a pardon for criminal charges.

On "The View" Friday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams denied any wrongdoing and responded to accusations that he was trying to win a pardon from President-elect Donald Trump by kissing up to him.

In September, the Democratic mayor pleaded not guilty to a five-count indictment on fraud, bribery, and corruption charges resulting from a campaign corruption investigation.

Sunny Hostin questioned Adams about rumors that he had recently "embraced" Trump in an effort to have the charges against him dropped, citing his earlier comments where he criticized the media for labeling Trump a "fascist" and making a comparison to Hitler.

What is your response to the suggestion that you have recently embraced Trump, possibly due to wanting charges dropped or a pardon from President-elect Trump, as critics have proposed?

Since the case was still in litigation, Adams initially stated that he could not provide any comment on it.

He replied, "I believe the greatest challenge is not being able to defend oneself in public."

Hostin responded by questioning whether the recent embrace of Trump was motivated by a desire for a pardon or dropped charges, as critics have suggested.

"I repeated myself multiple times, but I maintain my innocence," Adams stated, evading the query.

For 40 years of my life, I have been a police officer, dedicating 22 of those years to safeguarding the children and families of this city. I am steadfast in my commitment to this duty. I strive to live my life in accordance with the expectations of everyday New Yorkers. I am supported by a legal team who will handle the case.

My job is to ensure the city's safety, increase the number of housing built, revive the economy, and provide a safe environment for residents as they leave the city.

On "The View," Adams defended Trump and criticized the media for using extreme language to label him a "fascist."

Adams, in an interview with liberal hosts, admitted that he no longer wanted to discuss politics in this country, stating that people were going so far as to call him Hitler.

"Hitler's actions and my words to our country when I'm on the streets talking to young people protesting on college campuses with Hamas signs and calling for the destruction of groups were an insult to the millions of Jews and others who died," he said.

"Let's begin talking. As President Obama stated, and I concur, this is not a divided nation, it's the United States. We are the best country in the world, and the world is observing our divisive behavior."