Albanian President Grants Former NYC Mayor Eric Adams Honorary Citizenship

Eric Adams has been granted honorary Albanian citizenship through a special decree signed by Albanian President Bajram Begaj.

“NEW YORK (WABC) -- Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been granted Albanian citizenship and has received an Albanian passport”

ABC7 New York

Adams received the citizenship at his request, confirmed by a spokesperson who said Adams had long been a friend and ally of the Albanian-American community.

ABC7 New York

Adams once described himself as an international mayor and has expressed an affinity for Albania, where his adult son lived while competing in American Idol.

Adams traveled there himself in October 2025, one of several international trips taken in his final months in office.

The trip was paid for in part by the Albanian government.

It was not immediately clear what Adams planned to do with his new citizenship.

Adams has long cultivated an international persona, traveling to places like Senegal, Cuba, and Turkey.

His penchant for international trips to Turkey prompted a federal indictment that was later dropped by Trump's Justice Department.

Albanian Daily News

Adams later met with Trump officials about an ambassadorship, which did not materialize.

After dropping his reelection bid, Adams embarked on a four-day trip to Albania.

Since leaving office, Adams has been spotted in Dubai and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He launched a cryptocurrency coin that drew scrutiny after losing millions of dollars in value.

The decision to grant Adams Albanian citizenship has sparked a range of reactions.

“Eric Adams, former ‘international mayor’ of NYC, becomes an honorary Albanian citizen NEW YORK (AP) — Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Friday that he had become a citizen of Albania, putting him one step closer to his oft-repeated dream of leaving politics behind for a life abroad”

Associated Press

His spokesperson framed it as a symbol of international partnership and shared values.

Critics have questioned Adams' commitment to public service.

The move raises questions about the ties between New York City and the Albanian-American community.

Adams accepted the honor on their behalf and in recognition of shared values.