NEW YORK — The Justice Department (DOJ) has recommended dropping charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a move that has ignited heated debate among legal experts and city officials.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Adams’ attorney, Alex Spiro, strongly criticized former U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, accusing him of politically motivated prosecution. Spiro alleged that Williams “would stop at nothing” to target Adams, implying that his political ambitions fueled the case.
Adams’ Attorney Calls Case Politically Motivated
Spiro pointed to an article by Williams criticizing New York’s government, suggesting this was part of a personal vendetta against Adams. He also called out the high-profile press conference where Williams announced the original corruption indictment against the mayor.
“That wasn’t a prosecutor searching for truth. That might as well have been a stump speech,” Spiro said.
Williams and the U.S. Attorney’s Office declined to comment.
No Evidence of Wrongdoing, Spiro Says
Spiro emphasized that no evidence ever proved Adams broke the law. He compared the case to previous probes into former Mayor Bill de Blasio and Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin, questioning why the Justice Department took such an aggressive stance against Adams.
“They were after him and figured out a way to invent a crime,” Spiro claimed.
Was There Political Influence?
Journalists pressed Spiro on whether President Trump’s administration or Adams’ meetings with federal officials played a role in the DOJ’s decision to drop the case.
“The president was not involved,” Spiro insisted.
“Of course not. That’s absurd,” he added when asked if Adams agreed to cooperate on immigration and crime in exchange for the charges being dropped.
What Was the Case About?
According to Spiro, the investigation revolved around airline upgrades, which are commonly offered to politicians. He argued that:
- Accepting airline upgrades is not illegal.
- A DOJ memo confirmed officials are not required to disclose such upgrades.
Will the Case Be Officially Dropped?
Despite the DOJ’s recommendation, prosecutors with the Southern District of New York have not yet officially dismissed the case.
U.S. Attorney Pam Bondi, speaking to reporters, said she was unaware that the charges hadn’t been dropped yet.
“That case should be dropped,” Bondi stated.
“I expect the directive to be followed and the rule of law to be upheld,” Spiro added.
While the DOJ’s memo leaves the possibility of revisiting the case after the 2025 mayoral election, Spiro dismissed concerns:
“There is no looming threat. This case is over. It was never a real case in the first place.”
Critics Say Mayor Adams Is “Compromised”
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams Raises Concerns
Before Spiro’s press conference, NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams voiced serious concerns about the DOJ’s reasoning for dropping the case.
“Every New Yorker should be concerned right now,” Williams said, citing three major issues:
- The possibility of the case returning, which could distract Adams from governing.
- How the mayor seemed to sidestep accountability.
- The DOJ’s claim that Adams’ assistance in immigration enforcement was a factor in dropping the charges.
“The DOJ literally said they need the mayor to assist in opening doors for mass deportations in NYC. That is horrifying,” Williams stated.
Williams went further, claiming that:
“You only need one of your senses to know that this mayor was compromised.”
Lawmakers Call for Accountability
Other city officials questioned Adams’ recent meetings with President Trump and his intentions moving forward.
“The mayor has made it clear he’s standing up for just himself,” said NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, who is running against Adams in the next election.
“Standing up to Trump means replacing this mayor,” added Zohran Mamdani, another candidate challenging Adams.
Adams Speaks Out: “I Must Regain Trust”
Mayor Adams broke his silence on Tuesday, stating:
“I would never put any personal benefit above my solemn responsibility as your mayor.”
He acknowledged the 15-month ordeal had damaged his public image, adding:
“I understand that many New Yorkers will still question my character, and I know that I must continue to regain your trust.”
What’s Next for Adams?
- Adams skipped his attorney’s press conference Wednesday, instead attending meetings with senior officials.
- He is scheduled to meet with border czar Tom Homan on Thursday to discuss immigration enforcement.
- Sources indicate the NYPD may begin working more closely with federal agencies on deportations.
