New York City Mayor Eric Adams appeared in federal court on Wednesday for a hearing on whether corruption charges against him should be dropped. The case, which has drawn national attention, has fueled allegations of a quid pro quo deal with the Trump administration and intensified calls for Adams’ resignation.
Courtroom Drama: Adams Denies Wrongdoing
During the hearing, U.S. District Judge Dale Ho questioned both Adams and federal prosecutors about the motion to dismiss the charges. The Justice Department confirmed that while the charges were being dropped, they could be re-filed at a later date.
When asked by Judge Ho if he understood that possibility, Adams replied:
“Yes, I understand that, and judge, I have not committed a crime.”
Acting U.S. Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove stated that the Department of Justice (DOJ) was not offering Adams immunity, meaning he could still face legal action in the future.
Bove also emphasized that Adams’ court appearances interfere with his ability to run the city, adding that the case raises concerns over “appearances of impropriety.”
Quid Pro Quo Allegations and DOJ Scrutiny
Former U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon has been among those questioning whether the Justice Department’s decision to drop the charges was politically motivated.
Sassoon suggested that federal prosecutors dismissed the case in exchange for Adams’ cooperation with Trump’s immigration policies, describing the move as an “implicit threat”—meaning Adams could be re-indicted if his cooperation with the Trump administration was deemed unsatisfactory.
Federal Judge Weighs Next Steps
Judge Ho has not yet ruled on whether to approve the DOJ’s motion to dismiss the charges. He stated that he will carefully review all aspects of the case before making a decision.
Meanwhile, outside legal experts and watchdog groups are pushing for further scrutiny:
- Three former U.S. attorneys from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut have urged Judge Ho to investigate whether the DOJ is using the case as leverage to control Adams.
- The government watchdog group Common Cause has asked the judge to deny the DOJ’s motion and appoint a special counsel to review the case.
A final decision from Judge Ho is expected in the coming days.
Growing Calls for Adams to Resign
As legal uncertainties continue, calls for Adams to step down are growing louder.
- Several top city officials have resigned, including four of Adams’ eight deputy mayors.
- At least seven federal prosecutors have reportedly stepped down over concerns about the DOJ’s handling of the case.
- City Comptroller Brad Lander, who is running for mayor, has threatened to invoke the Committee on Mayoral Inability, a rarely used mechanism similar to an impeachment process.
“If he cannot explain how he’s going to fill these vacant seats and run city government, then I will seek to convene a meeting of the Committee on Mayoral Inability,” Lander said.
If that committee determines Adams is unable to govern, the City Council will have 21 days to vote on whether to remove him from office.
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Response
Governor Kathy Hochul is monitoring the situation closely and has the power to remove the mayor, though such an action has never been taken in New York State history.
On Tuesday, Hochul held a private meeting with key figures in city politics, including:
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries
- City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams
- Rev. Al Sharpton
- NYC Comptroller Brad Lander
After the meeting, Jeffries stated:
“Mayor Adams has a responsibility to decisively demonstrate to the people of New York City that he has the capacity to continue to govern in the best interest of New Yorkers, as opposed to taking orders from the Trump administration.”
Meanwhile, Adams remains defiant, telling NY1 on Wednesday night:
“If ever I reach the point that I believe I do not have the capacity to handle the city that I love, under crisis and non-crisis, I would not stay in this job. I would leave.”
What’s Next for Mayor Adams?
- Judge Ho’s decision on dropping the charges is expected soon—if he denies the DOJ’s motion, Adams could face trial.
- Pressure for Adams to resign continues to mount, with top city officials quitting and political leaders questioning his ability to govern.
- Gov. Hochul could take unprecedented action to remove Adams from office, but it remains unclear if she will.
- The City Council could initiate an impeachment-like process, forcing a vote on Adams’ leadership.
For now, Adams remains in office, but his political future is uncertain as this legal and political crisis unfolds.
