The Department of Justice’s decision to drop the corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams has sparked political backlash from local leaders and elected officials. Many believe Adams’ ties to President Trump played a role in the DOJ’s order to end the investigation, raising concerns about his independence as mayor.
Did Adams’ Relationship with Trump Influence the DOJ’s Decision?
The DOJ memo, issued on Monday, directed federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York to drop all charges against Adams. However, the case is not officially closed until the judge overseeing the case approves the order.
Many elected officials suspect Adams’ meeting with Trump before the inauguration and his recent Washington, D.C. visit set the stage for the DOJ’s intervention.
Gov. Kathy Hochul, when asked if Adams was now compromised, avoided taking a firm stance.
“Do I think he’s compromised? That is speculation. I don’t know… I have to believe that the mayor is going to put the interests of New York City first,” Hochul said.
While Adams has publicly stated that he was targeted by the Biden administration due to his criticism of its immigration policies, Hochul made it clear that he must now prioritize the city’s needs.
“I encourage the mayor to examine all of his actions,” Hochul added. “He has to demonstrate to New Yorkers that he is putting them first, above all, including the White House. That’s how it has to be.”
Rev. Al Sharpton Calls DOJ’s Move ‘Political Blackmail’
Rev. Al Sharpton strongly criticized the DOJ’s rationale for dropping the case.
“I am concerned about last night’s developments, particularly that this directive says the mayor should not go to trial so he can work on President Trump’s policies on immigration and crime,” Sharpton said.
Sharpton accused Trump of using Adams’ legal troubles as leverage to control him.
“If the mayor were to disagree with the president, does that mean they have the right to call a trial on him at any time?” he questioned. “It certainly sounds like President Trump is holding the mayor hostage.”
He also compared Adams’ situation to Trump’s decision to pardon January 6th rioters while not extending the same courtesy to Adams.
“President Trump pardoned January 6th rioters who beat police, but did not pardon the mayor, who may be guilty,” Sharpton said.
Criticism from Adams’ Opponents in the 2025 Mayoral Race
Several of Adams’ political opponents seized on the DOJ’s decision, accusing the mayor of being beholden to Trump instead of focusing on New Yorkers.
NYC Comptroller Brad Lander
Lander called the decision “dangerous” and claimed Adams is now under Trump’s control.
“If the president harms or threatens New York City, the mayor will be unable to fight back because he clearly cares about staying out of prison more than he cares about the well-being of New Yorkers,” Lander said.
He added:
“The mayor has made it clear he’s standing up for just himself.”
State Sen. Zellnor Myrie
Myrie, another mayoral candidate, agreed that Adams is now Trump’s pawn.
“Mayor Eric Adams will be under the thumb and control of Donald Trump until November,” Myrie said.
Former City Comptroller Scott Stringer
Stringer painted a bleak picture of Adams’ future under Trump’s influence.
“He’s gonna sit there and tell Eric Adams what to do and who to do it to,” Stringer said.
City Councilwoman Shahana Hanif
Hanif took to social media, accusing Adams of selling out New Yorkers.
“Trump and Adams cut their backroom deal, and everyday New Yorkers pay the price,” Hanif wrote.
Other Elected Officials Weigh In
- City Councilman Shekar Krishnan: “We have lost leadership at a crucial moment. I’m deeply worried about what this will mean for our future, especially for our most vulnerable New Yorkers.”
- State Sen. Jessica Ramos: “Eric Adams sold us out in order to save himself.”
- Rep. Zohran Mamdani: “Standing up to Trump means replacing this kind of mayor.”
- Former Assemblyman Michael Blake: “The governor should ask the mayor to step down. One hundred percent. This is not tenable.”
Was the Case Dropped Due to ‘Bad Timing’?
One of the DOJ’s stated reasons for dropping the case was that it “improperly interfered” with Adams’ 2025 mayoral campaign.
However, Sharpton and others disputed this reasoning, arguing that if such logic were applied consistently, it would prevent criminal charges from being filed against politicians during any election cycle.
“They’re talking to New Yorkers as if we have no sense of a game being played,” Sharpton said.
De Blasio Defends DOJ Decision
While many officials criticized the DOJ’s decision, former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio took the opposite stance, arguing that the case was weak from the start.
“A very weak case, in my opinion, was brought, a strangely weak case,” de Blasio said. “So, from my point of view, it’s right for the Justice Department to say there’s not enough here to go on.”
What Happens Next?
- The judge overseeing the case must still approve the DOJ’s request to drop the charges.
- The Southern District of New York could reopen the case after the November 2025 mayoral election.
- Adams will need to navigate growing skepticism from city officials and the public about his relationship with Trump.
- He is expected to face aggressive opposition in his re-election bid, with challengers framing him as a leader who prioritizes self-preservation over New York City’s interests.
For now, Adams remains in office, but the political fallout from this decision is far from over.
