Chinese-American Campaign Ally Greco Resigns After Cash Gift Incident
Winnie Greco, a longtime ally, adviser, and fundraiser for New York Mayor Eric Adams, was suspended from his re-election campaign after being accused of attempting to hand a local journalist a cash-stuffed potato chip bag. The City, a local news outlet, reported that Greco tried to give cash hidden inside a Herr's Sour Cream & Onion ripple potato chip bag to reporter Katie Honan after a campaign event in Harlem. Honan initially refused the chips, believing them to be a genuine snack, but Greco persisted. Upon discovering the cash—reportedly including at least one $100 bill and several $20 bills—she contacted Adams' confidant to return the gift. Honan texted Greco, 'I can’t take this, when can I give it back to you,' but received no response. Greco later called the act a 'mistake' and apologized, citing Chinese cultural practices where money is given as a gesture of friendship and gratitude. Her attorney, Steven Brill, stated her intent was innocent. Todd Shapiro, Adams' campaign spokesperson, confirmed Greco holds no official campaign role and was suspended from volunteer activities. Greco, who is Chinese, previously served as director of Asian affairs in Adams' administration and resigned last year after FBI raids on her properties related to a straw donations scheme in Adams' 2021 campaign. The Trump Justice Department dismissed federal corruption charges against Adams last year, which included allegations of taking bribes and illegal campaign contributions.