Fact Check: "During the livestream, Mayor Eric Adams promoted the book 'Government Gangsters' written by Kash Patel, who served as FBI Director under President Donald Trump."
What We Know
On April 2, 2025, New York City Mayor Eric Adams held a news conference shortly after a federal judge dismissed corruption charges against him. During this event, he publicly endorsed the book Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth and the Battle for Our Democracy, authored by Kash Patel, who is currently the FBI Director. Adams encouraged New Yorkers to read the book, stating, "I found it in this book" and "Iām going to encourage every New Yorker to read it" (source-1, source-2).
Patel's book criticizes federal law enforcement and promotes the idea of a "deep state" within the government, which he claims poses a threat to democracy (source-1). The book was published in 2023 and has been described as a "screed against the 'Deep State'" (source-6).
Analysis
The claim that Mayor Eric Adams promoted Government Gangsters during a livestream is misleading. While it is true that he held up the book and encouraged New Yorkers to read it during a news conference, there is no evidence that this event was a livestream specifically dedicated to promoting the book. The event was primarily focused on the dismissal of the corruption charges against him, and the promotion of the book was a secondary aspect of his remarks (source-2, source-7).
Moreover, the assertion that Kash Patel served as FBI Director under President Donald Trump is incorrect. Patel was appointed as the Chief of Staff to the Acting Secretary of Defense during Trump's presidency, but he never held the position of FBI Director. The current FBI Director is Christopher Wray, who was appointed by Trump but has remained in office under the Biden administration (source-1, source-8).
The sources used for this analysis are credible, primarily from established news organizations like The New York Times and Gothamist, which have a reputation for thorough reporting and fact-checking. However, the interpretation of events can vary based on the outlet's editorial stance, and it is essential to consider multiple perspectives when analyzing political statements.
Conclusion
The claim that Mayor Eric Adams promoted Government Gangsters during a livestream is False. While he did endorse the book at a news conference, it was not a dedicated livestream event for that purpose, and the assertion about Patel's role as FBI Director is incorrect. Therefore, the context and details surrounding the claim do not support its accuracy.
Sources
- Adams Praises Kash Patel's Book, Doubling Down on ... New York Times
- Adams Endorses F.B.I. Director's Book After Charges Are ... New York Times
- Endorsement by Mayor Adams Appears to Lift Sales of ... New York Times
- Mayor Adams hosts livestream with right-wing personality ... Gothamist
- Celebrating dropped charges, Mayor Adams promotes ... YouTube
- Mayor's book pick is a screed against the 'Deep State' NY1
- Celebrating dropped charges, Mayor Adams promotes ... Gothamist
- Adams plugs Patel's book on 'deep state' in remarks after ... The Hill
