It didn’t take long for Adams to unveil his plans. On Monday morning, about a dozen reporters and camera operators huddled in the heart of Times Square as Adams detailed the “NYC Token,” his yet-to-be launched cryptocurrency designed to raise funds that will be used to address antisemitism and anti-Americanism, as well as to teach children how to embrace blockchain technology.
“We want to make sure everyday New Yorkers can invest and create an atmosphere they want to see in their city,” Adams said.
The former mayor of the U.S.’s largest city didn’t say how his cryptocurrency will fight antisemitism. And he didn’t disclose who he was partnering with to launch the token, when it will be released, and how funds will be used. In a brief question-and-answer portion, Adams directed reporters to a website that he said would contain more information about the team behind the initiative.
His enthusiasm was dampened by the downturn in the crypto industry in late 2022 spurred by the collapse of the exchange FTX, staying largely silent on the sector until hosting a crypto summit at the mayoral residence of Gracie Mansion in May 2025. Later that month, Adams spoke at the crypto conference Bitcoin 2025, where he promised to create Bitcoin-backed bonds for New York City.
During his tenure as mayor, Adams faced widespread criticism for ethics and conflicts of interest violations, including a Department of Justice indictment for bribery and illegal campaign donations that was later dropped under the Trump administration.
Now out of office, Adams said the crypto coin is just one of several initiatives he plans to pursue as he embarks on trips to Dallas and Senegal. Still, he made clear in Times Square on Monday that New York remains his home: “I’m not going anywhere.”
