NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Eric Adams visited “The View” on Friday to share his thoughts on President-elect Donald Trump’s presidency and what it will mean for the city.

Adams said both sides of the political aisle need to reject the rhetoric and insults that have perpetuated the discourse for years. The mayor hinted that toxic rhetoric was a reason behind Trump’s victory, especially in the city where the former president gained ground among the electorate.

“What you’ve seen in this city and a city that’s getting redder is because we’ve stopped talking about issues of broken class,” Adams said.

“I’m not talking about fascism, I’m talking about finance. I’m not talking about Hitler, I’m talking about housing,” added the mayor, referring to Trump’s opponents’ statements that he was a fascist.

“The View” co-host Ana Navarro noted that Vice President-elect JD Vance once called Trump Hitler. Adams reiterated that everyone needs to tone down their rhetoric.

Adams was also asked about his views on Trump’s controversial cabinet appointeesnotably Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was selected to head the Department of Health and Human Services.

RFK Jr., who tried to run for president this year as a Democratic and independent candidate before endorsing Trump, has made false claims about the dangers of vaccines and fluoride and vowed to make massive cuts to health care if he is appointed by the Senate .

Adams dismissed the fluoride claims, but noted that the country needs to look at what is put in food, which was another position RFK Jr. has taken in the past.

When pressed by “The View” hosts to respond to RFK Jr.’s proposals, Adams said he’s confident the people in the health agencies will do the right thing for the country.

“If we love our country, then no one should divert us from our mission,” he said.

“There are experts on this, they will look at his proposals and do analysis,” Adams added.

Adams said the city is prepared for various scenarios that Trump could apply when it comes to his mass deportation proposal. The mayor said New York has always welcomed immigrants, and law-abiding immigrants and families will be protected, but stressed that the nation’s immigration system is broken.

He said the migrant crisis has cost the city billions of dollars and no one has given it the means or resources to deal with the more than 200,000 migrants who have been flown into the city from other states.

“I’m not allowed to let them work (legally),” he said. “I’m not allowed to make them participate in our tax system.”

In September, Adams became the first sitting mayor of New York City to be indicted after federal prosecutors indicted him on one count of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy, two counts of soliciting a bribe to a foreign national and a charge of bribery.

The indictment stems from alleged gifts, including upgraded airline flights and luxury hotel stays, offered by Turkish businessmen and officials in exchange for preferential treatment from the mayor.

Adams has denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty. Federal investigators have investigated several of his close confidants and officials over the past year, and many have resigned in the face of ongoing investigations.

Adams’ trial is scheduled to begin in April.

Trump came to Adams’ defense, claiming the mayor was unfairly accused because of his opposition to President Joe Biden’s immigration policies.

Adams dodged a question about a possible pardon or dismissal of Trump’s charges and said he would continue to work for New Yorkers as he fights the charges.

“My goal is to do what I’m doing from January 1, 2022,” he said.

———-

* Get news from eyewitnesses

* More New York news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

* Follow us on YouTube

Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Have a breaking news tip or idea for a story we should cover? Submit it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If you attach a video or photo, terms of use apply.