Eric Adams Campaign Reacts to Report Adviser Gave Cash to Journalist

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Anna Commander is a Newsweek Editor and writer based in Florida. Her focus is reporting on crime, weather and breaking news. She has covered weather, and major breaking news events in South Florida. Anna joined Newsweek in 2022 from The National Desk in Washington, D.C. and had previously worked at CBS12 News in West Palm Beach. She is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University. You can get in touch with Anna by emailing a.commander@newsweek.com.

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Robert Birsel is a Newsweek reporter based in Asia with a focus on political and general news. Robert joined Newsweek in 2025 from Radio Free Asia and had previously worked at Reuters. He is a graduate of the London School of Economics. You can get in touch with Robert by emailing r.birsel@newsweek.com. Languages: English.

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New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ reelection campaign has suspended longtime adviser Winnie Greco after reports surfaced that she handed a journalist cash hidden inside a bag of potato chips.

Newsweek has reached out to the Adams’ campaign team for further comment.

Why It Matters

Greco, a former director of Asian affairs at City Hall and a close associate of Adams, has faced scrutiny in the past. The FBI searched her homes last year as part of a federal investigation into suspected interference by Chinese officials in the city’s 2021 mayoral race.

The latest episode threatens to deepen ethical and legal questions surrounding Adams’ administration and reelection efforts.

What Happened

According to the Times, Greco met with reporter Katie Honan of The City news outlet during a Harlem campaign event on Wednesday. After entering a Whole Foods store together, Greco allegedly handed Honan an open bag of Herr’s Sour Cream & Onion potato chips that contained a red envelope containing cash.

Honan told the Times she initially believed the bag contained a tip or note, before realizing it held money. She said she attempted to return it and ultimately gave it to her editors.

Campaign spokesperson Todd Shapiro confirmed Greco’s suspension Wednesday, saying she “holds no position in this campaign and has been suspended from all volunteer campaign-related activities.”

“We are shocked by these reports,” Shapiro told the Times, adding that Adams “always demanded the highest ethical and legal standards.”

The City reported that its staff had contacted New York City’s Department of Investigation, adding that the envelope had never been opened or counted.

Greco’s attorney, Steven Brill, said the gesture was rooted in cultural tradition.

“In Chinese culture, it is not uncommon to give cash to reporters as a gesture of friendship and gratitude,” Brill told the Times. “I grant you this looks odd. But I assure you that Winnie’s intent was purely innocent.”

Newsweek has reached out to Brill for additional comment.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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