The recent charges brought against New York City Mayor Eric Adams are a troubling sign of corruption in public office, but also present a rare moment where we see a glimmer of accountability being demanded within the Democratic Party. U.S. prosecutors have charged Adams with accepting illegal campaign contributions and luxury travel from Turkish nationals allegedly seeking to influence his policies. In response, Adams has denied any wrongdoing, declaring his intent to fight the charges in court and refusing to resign.

What is striking about this case is not only the serious nature of the allegations but the response from Adams’ fellow Democrats. Notably, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, one of the prominent voices of the progressive wing of the party, has joined the call for Adams to step down.

Holding Leaders to a Higher Standard

As Christians, we believe in the importance of truth, accountability, and justice. Proverbs 11:3 reminds us that “The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.” When a public official is charged with wrongdoing, they must be held to the highest ethical standards, because their leadership impacts millions of lives. This applies to both Republicans and Democrats alike.

It is encouraging to see that Democrats, who often promote a moral relativism that can blur the lines between right and wrong, are recognizing the importance of accountability in leadership. This is a step in the right direction for a party that typically embraces a liberal, “each-person-has-their-own-truth” worldview. The willingness of leaders like Ocasio-Cortez to hold their own party accountable is a positive move, one that Christians and conservatives should recognize as a nod to moral consistency, however rare it might be in today’s politics.

A Call for Integrity in Public Service

However, Mayor Adams’ refusal to step down despite the serious charges against him raises concerns about a deeper problem—an unwillingness among many leaders to take personal responsibility. Our nation is in need of leaders who, when faced with accusations of corruption, prioritize the well-being of their constituents over their own political careers. Leaders who serve with humility and integrity are essential to restoring faith in our institutions.

In the Bible, we see that leadership is not about personal gain but about serving others. Mark 10:45 tells us, “For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Public officials must lead by example, placing the needs of the people above their own ambition. If Mayor Adams is truly innocent, it is his right to clear his name, but his determination to remain in power amidst the scandal appears to prioritize his position over the city’s trust.

The Broader Picture: Corruption and Relativism

The corruption allegations against Adams are not an isolated event but reflect a larger trend in American politics. We see increasing moral decay in our nation, where truth is often sacrificed for power, and moral relativism has taken root. This relativism promotes the dangerous belief that truth is subjective and that individuals can define right and wrong based on personal convenience.

As Christians, we believe that moral truth is absolute, rooted in God’s Word. When leaders depart from this truth, corruption inevitably follows. The charges against Adams are a symptom of this deeper moral crisis in our culture, where honesty and righteousness are often sacrificed for personal gain. The Bible warns in Isaiah 5:20, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil,” a stern reminder that when we abandon objective moral standards, society pays the price.

The Hypocrisy of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s call for New York City Mayor Eric Adams to resign while she herself has accepted lavish gifts is the height of hypocrisy. As Jonathan Turley of the New York Post pointed out, one of the most prominent incidents involves her appearance at the 2021 Met Gala, where she wore a designer dress emblazoned with the slogan “Tax the Rich.” The dress, custom-made for her, was valued far beyond the reach of the average working-class American—a demographic AOC claims to champion. Not only was the dress reportedly “loaned” to her, but her $35,000 ticket to the exclusive event was also provided to her, raising questions about her commitment to advocating for the economic struggles of everyday people. The crushing irony is that she attended an elite event where attendees flaunted extreme wealth, yet her messaging centered on taxing the very rich people in attendance.

The Solution to Rampant Government Corruption? Smaller Government

National Review’s Jim Geraghty notes that the prevalence of corruption in modern governments is a glaring sign of how overgrown they have become. When a system becomes so expansive and complex, it opens the door to unethical influence, both foreign and domestic. The cases of Turkish, Egyptian, and Chinese governments exploiting American officials demonstrate how an oversized government can become a breeding ground for corruption. When foreign powers find it beneficial to pay off U.S. politicians, we must ask ourselves: why are these officials wielding so much unchecked power? The root of the problem lies not just in the individuals who fall prey to corruption but in the very structure of our government itself. A large government with countless bureaucracies and endless layers of regulations invites bad actors to infiltrate its ranks.

As Christians, we know that power is a heavy responsibility. Scripture reminds us that “the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). When too much power is concentrated in government hands, the temptation for greed and corruption grows exponentially. A smaller government, with limited power and clearly defined responsibilities, would reduce the opportunities for bribery and corruption. By decentralizing authority, we ensure that individuals are held accountable for their actions, and it becomes more difficult for bad actors—whether they be foreign governments or multinational corporations—to manipulate the system for their own gain.

Reducing the size of government is not just a practical solution; it’s also a moral imperative. As followers of Christ, we are called to pursue justice, righteousness, and integrity in all spheres of life. A leaner, more accountable government aligns with these values by minimizing the chances for abuse of power. Rather than entrusting massive bureaucracies with unchecked control, we must advocate for a return to smaller, more local governance—where transparency and accountability can be more easily maintained, and where individuals are empowered to make decisions that align with the common good. Smaller government is the key to a more ethical, just society.

Conclusion: A Time for Reflection and Action

Mayor Adams’ legal battle is just beginning, but the principles at stake go far beyond one politician. This moment calls for a renewed commitment to ethical leadership across all political parties. Whether Republican or Democrat, public officials must be held to a higher standard, reflecting integrity, humility, and a commitment to serve the people.

It is encouraging to see even some Democrats acknowledge this need for accountability. Yet, the fight against corruption must be consistent and unwavering, grounded in a clear understanding of truth. As Christians, we are called to pray for our leaders, that they may lead with wisdom, discernment, and a heart for justice. At the same time, we must advocate for righteousness in public office, reminding our nation that true leadership is about serving the people, not self-serving ambitions.