New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently connected with streamer Kai Cenat—just under two years after Kai’s chaotic, unpermitted PS5 giveaway overwhelmed Union Square and led to his arrest. With talk of a second event now in the works—and this time with the city’s blessing—many are questioning whether this is a genuine redemption arc or just smart politics. Kai, who has skyrocketed in fame with viral Twitch streams, celebrity guests, and projects like Streamer University, has bounced back from controversy, but his past still looms large.
Critics online immediately flagged the timing of the Mayor’s meeting with Kai, which dropped just one day before NYC’s primary election, accusing Adams of “clout chasing.” The move fits into a growing political trend—where leaders turn to streamers to reach younger voters, much like Trump’s appearance on Adin Ross’s stream or Biden’s influencer strategy. Whether Adams is genuinely trying to support youth culture or just borrowing their platforms for votes, one thing’s clear: Kai’s next NYC event will have all eyes on it.
