It's accurate-ish. They were both Federalists (although Washington did not adopt the label, his policies were clearly Federalist). When Adams entered office, he kept most of Washington's cabinet. Washington's Federalist policies were largely crafted by Alexander Hamilton, and although by the time of Adam's administration he had retired from the Treasury Department (and was working as a lawyer in New York), he was still highly influential with the cabinet. The most significant events of Adam's presidency all revolved around the Quasi-War with France (during which the French attacked American merchant ships). These included:

• The XYZ affair: French diplomats requested a bribe from American peace envoys, when it was reported it triggered anti-French sentiment throughout America

• Building up of the US Navy along with the (temporary) creation of an army (led by Washington and Hamilton) to repel a potential French invasion

• The Alien Act: Made it harder for an immigrant to become a US citizen. Also allowed the Government to deport any foreign nationals deemed dangerous. Passed as a response to fears over French infiltration

• The Sedition Act: Criminalized criticizing the government, ostensibly a war measure, but more about political repression of Democratic-Republicans. Under the Sedition Act, Democratic-Republican newspaper editors and legislators were jailed for criticizing Adams.

By the end of his term, Adams was essentially a man without a party, as he had broken with Hamilton and his cabinet.