| Published August 23, 2025
In a bizarre twist to an ongoing scandal surrounding New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, former adviser Winnie Greco has claimed that a potato chip bag filled with $300 in cash, which she handed to a local reporter, was merely a “birthday gift” rooted in Chinese cultural traditions.
When New York City politics makes national headlines, it’s usually for weighty issues like housing, crime, or budget battles. But in mid-August, the spotlight shifted to something stranger: a potato chip bag stuffed with cash. At the center of the bizarre episode is Winnie Greco, a longtime adviser and fundraiser for Mayor Eric Adams, who is now facing tough questions over a gesture she insists was innocent—but investigators and the public aren’t so sure.
The Incident
The scene played out after a campaign event in Harlem. Reporter Katie Honan of The City was approached by Greco, who offered her a bag of Herr’s potato chips. At first glance, it seemed like a small snack or token of appreciation. But when Honan later opened the bag, she discovered something far more surprising: a red envelope stuffed with cash, reportedly containing a $100 bill and several $20s.
Alarmed, Honan attempted to return the money. By then, however, Greco had gone silent, and the episode quickly attracted the attention of investigators and the media.
Greco’s Defense
Greco initially defended the envelope as a cultural gesture, noting that in Chinese tradition, giving money in red envelopes is a common way of expressing friendship, gratitude, or celebration. But when pressed further, her explanation took an unusual turn: she called it a “birthday gift.”
The problem? Honan’s birthday isn’t until November. Greco’s own birthday had already passed on August 4. The excuse, rather than clarifying matters, only added to the confusion—and suspicion.
The Fallout
The backlash was swift. The NYC Department of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn stepped in, retrieving the money and opening inquiries into the incident. Mayor Adams’ campaign suspended Greco from any volunteer role, with spokespeople stressing that the mayor had no knowledge of or involvement in her actions.
But this wasn’t the first time cash gifts raised eyebrows in Adams’ political orbit. Reports soon surfaced that similar red envelopes had been distributed at other campaign events in Flushing, Sunset Park, and Chinatown—allegedly handed to journalists as “transportation stipends” or “coverage subsidies.”
The Bigger Picture
The optics are troubling. At best, the gesture comes across as a tone-deaf cultural misunderstanding. At worst, it looks like a blatant attempt to curry favor with the press. Either way, it raises serious questions about the ethics of political operatives and the blurred line between hospitality and corruption.
The episode also risks undermining the integrity of journalism itself. If one reporter was offered cash, how many others may have quietly accepted—and did it influence their coverage? For politicians, the scandal reinforces a key lesson: in an era of heightened scrutiny, even seemingly small missteps can spiral into reputational crises.
nothing.”
Ex-Eric Adams adviser Winnie Greco claimed that the bag of chips stuffed with cash that she had handed to a reporter was a “birthday gift.”
New York Mayor Eric Adams (C) and Winnie Greco attended the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival held at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in New York, on August 12, 2023.
Former City Hall aide Winnie Greco handed THE CITY reporter Katie Honan an open potato chip bag containing an envelope full of cash after a reelection event for Mayor Eric Adams, according to reports.
Greco additionally made the claim that City reporter Katie Honan wanted to “hurt” her.
Implications
🔎 Political Implications
-
Damage to Eric Adams’ image – Even if the mayor wasn’t directly involved, Greco’s actions reflect poorly on his campaign and raise questions about his inner circle’s judgment.
-
Potential loss of trust – Voters may see this as another sign of backroom deals, eroding confidence in City Hall.
-
Political ammunition – Adams’ opponents now have a scandal they can point to as evidence of ethical lapses.
⚖️ Legal Implications
-
Possible bribery or improper influence – Giving cash to a reporter could be seen as an attempt to buy favorable coverage, which could cross legal lines.
-
Federal & local investigations – Since the U.S. Attorney’s Office and NYC Department of Investigation are involved, more serious charges could emerge if a pattern of cash handouts is proven.
-
Not an isolated incident – Reports of other journalists receiving envelopes of cash at events suggest a broader scheme, not a one-off mistake.
📰 Media & Ethical Implications
-
Press freedom concerns – Any attempt to “gift” or pay reporters risks undermining journalistic independence.
-
Credibility of coverage – Raises questions about whether similar offers were accepted by other reporters and, if so, whether it influenced reporting.
-
Cultural vs. corruption debate – Greco’s defense (“cultural gesture” / “birthday gift”) muddies the waters and risks trivializing serious ethical violations.
🌍 Broader Context
-
Transparency in politics – This case highlights the blurred lines between cultural practices, personal gestures, and corruption in politics.
-
International optics – With New York City being a global hub, the story feeds into a narrative of political dysfunction that rivals and critics abroad may amplify.
-
Public trust in institutions – Scandals like this, however bizarre, chip away at the credibility of both the political class and the media.
Overall Takeaway:
The bizarre saga of Winnie Greco and the potato chip bag stuffed with cash may sound almost comical on the surface, but its implications are anything but. What Greco defended as a “birthday gift” or cultural gesture has been interpreted by investigators, reporters, and the public as a troubling attempt to blur the line between personal courtesy and political influence.
At a time when trust in both politics and media is already fragile, this incident underscores how even small acts—when handled recklessly—can snowball into scandals that damage reputations, fuel suspicions of corruption, and invite legal scrutiny. Whether or not Greco intended it as a bribe, the optics alone have sparked questions about Mayor Eric Adams’ circle, campaign ethics, and the lengths to which political figures may go to curry favor.
In the end, the “cash in a chip bag” episode serves as a cautionary tale: in politics, perception can be just as damaging as intent—and once public trust is shaken, it’s not easily restored.
Be the first to comment