(L) Eric Adams at reception celebrating Albanian culture in Gracie Mansion on June 21, 2025. (R) Adams delivers at the Albanian flag raising ceremony. Bowling Green, Manhattan on Monday, November 28, 2022
Photos by Justin Persaud/Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been granted Albanian citizenship, according to a presidential decree dated April 10.
The decree, signed by Albanian President Bajram Begaj, says Adams was granted citizenship “at his request” and that the order takes effect immediately upon publication in Albania’s official gazette.
In a statement, Adams spokesperson Todd Shapiro said the decision reflected Adams’ longstanding ties to the Albanian American community in New York City and described the citizenship as a recognition of international partnership and mutual respect.
Shapiro said Adams was proud to receive the honor and thanked Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, Begaj, and the Albanian people.
“Leaders around the world — including mayors and presidents — have historically been recognized with honorary or dual citizenships as a symbol of international partnership and shared values,” said Shapiro.
The citizenship follows years of visible ties between Adams and Albania during his tenure as mayor. Adams appeared at Albanian flag-raising ceremonies in 2022 and 2024, and in June 2025 hosted an Albanian Culture Reception at Gracie Mansion, where he praised the Albanian community and said he hoped to visit the country.
After dropping his reelection bid, Adams traveled to Albania for a four-day trip in October 2025, his office said, focused on tourism and economic opportunities for New York City. The Albanian government covered his lodging and ground transportation, while the city paid for airfare and other travel costs
Days later, Adams said in an interview with Alba Life TV that he had developed a “good friendship” with Rama, spoke about deepening business and technology ties with Albania, and said he wanted to help secure direct flights between New York and Tirana.
Gothamist later reported that Adams hosted an unpublicized reception at Gracie Mansion in November 2025 for Albanian officials and members of the local Albanian community. According to the outlet, the event did not appear on the mayor’s public schedule and included Albania’s deputy foreign minister and ambassador to the United States.
Adam’s son, Jordan Coleman, previously competed on the Albanian version of American Idol, an experience that inspired his rap EP, according to the New York Post.
Since leaving office, Adams has also drawn attention for ventures outside government. In January, the crypto enthusiast launched NYC Token, which his team said was intended to support social causes, including education and efforts to combat antisemitism and anti-Americanism.
The project quickly drew scrutiny after reports questioned its rollout, allegations Adams’ spokesperson Shapiro called “unsupported,” saying the former mayor did not move investor funds or profit from the token’s launch.
