In one of his final appearances as New York City mayor, Eric Adams announced plans to use cryptocurrency in his post-City Hall ventures to combat antisemitism, violence, and to educate children. The outgoing mayor, known for his embrace of technology, did not provide specifics on how he would implement this initiative. This statement comes as Adams wraps up his term before Zohran Mamdani, a critic of Israel, takes office.
Eric Adams, New York City's mayor since 2022, made the announcement on Monday, December 30, 2025, during a public appearance near the end of his tenure. Asked about his future plans, Adams stated, “I also want to use cryptocurrency to go after violence, educate our children, and really deal with antisemitism that we’re seeing globally.” He added, “Many people know that I’m a big technology person,” but offered no details on the application of cryptocurrency to these causes.
Adams has a history of promoting cryptocurrency. Upon taking office, he chose to receive his mayoral salary in Bitcoin, converting his first paycheck into BTC and ETH to position New York as a crypto-friendly hub. This move aimed to attract blockchain innovators and support Web3 startups and decentralized finance projects.
The announcement aligns with Adams' efforts in his final months to highlight support for Israel and the Jewish community amid rising global antisemitism. Earlier in December 2025, he issued an executive order barring city officials from participating in the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement against Israel, a position opposed by incoming mayor Zohran Mamdani. New York City is home to over 1.1 million Jews, and antisemitic incidents in the U.S. spiked 60% in 2023 according to FBI data.
While Adams' exact plans remain unclear, his pledge underscores cryptocurrency's potential role in social issues, building on trends like blockchain for transparent donations and global aid. As he prepares to leave office, this vision positions him as a bridge between technology and activism against hate.
