The mayor has raised $1.7 million through a legal defense fund that, in theory, should cover the costs of his federal corruption defense. But questions remain.

*A reader of THE CITY, Lynn B., asked our newsroom, “Eric Adams is represented by top legal talent. Who is paying them? Are NYC taxpayers picking up the bill for his defense?”

Here is our answer:*

As Mayor Eric Adams contends with his indictment and court case, it’s unlikely taxpayers would cover his legal bills. That’s because payment to the attorneys representing him should, in theory, come from what’s known as the Eric Adams Legal Defense Trust.

The mayor set up that trust — and installed its trustee, his longtime ally Peter Aschkenasy — last November as news emerged about the federal corruption probe of his 2021 campaign.

A legal defense trust is an organization monitored by the city’s Conflict of Interests Board that allows a public servant to raise money to pay for certain types of legal expenses. Through the trust, Adams can accept contributions up to $5,000 per donor. But the fund can’t solicit or accept donations from people with city contracts or business before the city.

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