Winnie Greco, a former senior adviser to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, has been suspended from his reelection campaign volunteer work after an incident involving a cash transaction with a journalist. The event transpired outside the mayor's Harlem campaign office and involved Katie Honan, a reporter for The City, who was handed what seemed to be a simple bag of potato chips, concealing a sum of money.
This episode unfolded after Greco texted Honan to meet near a TD Bank, leading to their encounter at a Whole Foods where the handoff occurred. Inside the bag, Honan later found a red envelope containing at least one $100 bill along with several $20 bills, as reported by the New York Post. Greco, who resigned in October following an FBI raid on her Bronx residence, cited cultural misunderstanding for her actions, expressing regret and stressing that her intent was to foster friendship rather than any form of impropriety.
Steven Brill, Greco's attorney, defended her gesture as a benign cultural practice common in the Chinese community, where money is often a token of friendship and gratitude. However, this explanation did little to mitigate the situation, given Greco's past scrutiny by federal authorities over alleged improper campaign fundraising and her connections to China, which have been a source of public intrigue and concern.
The reaction from Mayor Adams' campaign was swift and unequivocal. Spokesperson Todd Shapiro stated that Greco holds no position in the campaign and was immediately suspended from all volunteer activities, affirming that the mayor had no prior knowledge of the incident and remains dedicated to upholding the highest ethical standards.
The broader context of this incident includes Greco's previous involvement in high-profile investigations, the FBI raid related to "straw" donation supervision, and her attendance at a banquet linked to discussions about hosting a Chinese government police station in New York. These elements contribute to the narrative of ethics and transparency challenges within Mayor Adams' political circle.
Greco's actions, albeit as a volunteer, underscore the significance of vetting and oversight within political campaigns, as they can greatly influence public perception and trust. This particular case, with its echoes of past allegations against Adams regarding improper benefits from foreign nationals and a Turkish official—charges dropped by the Trump administration—only amplifies the scrutiny on the mayor's campaign operations.
As the story continues to develop, it is clear that the suspension of Greco is not merely about an unusual cash handoff but rather the broader implications of trust and accountability that are pivotal in public service and campaign integrity.
