In a move that can only be described as ‘strategically perplexing,’ New York City Mayor Eric Adams decided to forgo traditional Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in his own city to attend President Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, D.C.

Now, attending a presidential inauguration is typically a prestigious affair, especially for a sitting mayor of the nation’s largest city. However, Adams’ journey took an unexpected turn when he found himself not in the esteemed company of dignitaries within the Capitol Rotunda, but rather in an overflow room. Here, he shared space with a motley crew, including Pastor Mark Burns and tech entrepreneur Brock Pierce.

Back in New York, the mayor’s absence did not go unnoticed. Community leaders and constituents expressed their dismay at his decision to skip MLK Day celebrations, a time-honored tradition for New York politicians. The optics of the situation were further complicated by Adams’ ongoing legal challenges, as he faces federal bribery charges. This led to widespread speculation that his attendance at the inauguration was less about civic duty and more about seeking favor—or perhaps a pardon—from the newly inaugurated president.

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and former state lawmaker Michael Blake were among those who voiced their disapproval, highlighting the disconnect between Adams’ actions and the expectations of his constituents. The mayor’s decision to prioritize the inauguration over local MLK Day events has raised questions about his political acumen, especially as he gears up for a potentially contentious re-election campaign.

In the world of politics, timing and optics are everything. Mayor Adams’ recent choices have left many New Yorkers scratching their heads, wondering about the true motivations behind his inauguration adventure.