Federal prosecutors in New York have dismissed corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, ending a legal battle that had caused major upheaval within the Justice Department (DOJ).
The motion to drop the five-count indictment was filed on Friday, citing concerns about the 2025 elections and Adams’ ability to govern effectively. However, the decision has triggered an internal revolt among DOJ officials, leading to multiple resignations.
Why Were the Charges Dropped?
The motion to dismiss stated:
- The Acting Deputy Attorney General, backed by the Attorney General, determined that dropping the case was necessary due to:
- “Appearances of impropriety”
- Potential interference with the 2025 NYC elections
- Concerns about the mayor’s ability to govern
The judge overseeing the case must approve the motion before charges are officially dismissed.
Background on the Case Against Adams
- Indicted: September 2024
- Charges: Bribery, conspiracy, campaign finance violations
- Potential Sentence: Up to 45 years in prison
Adams pleaded not guilty, repeatedly asserting his innocence. His trial was scheduled for April 2025 before the case was unexpectedly dropped.
Justice Department Internal Revolt
The decision to dismiss the case originated from DOJ headquarters, specifically Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, a former Trump attorney.
However, several DOJ prosecutors in Manhattan refused to comply, arguing that dropping the charges:
- Set a dangerous precedent
- Interfered with the rule of law
- Was influenced by Adams’ shifting political commitments
Key Resignations and Fallout:
- Danielle Sassoon, acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), resigned in protest.
- Kevin Driscoll, DOJ Criminal Division chief, and John Keller, acting Public Integrity Section head, also resigned.
- Three additional senior officials in the Public Integrity Unit stepped down.
- SDNY prosecutor Hagan Scotten resigned, calling the decision “a breathtaking and dangerous precedent.”
Sassoon’s Resignation Letter: She alleged that Adams’ legal team offered a “quid pro quo”—his cooperation with Trump administration policies in exchange for case dismissal.
Bove and Adams’ attorneys denied this claim, stating that dropping the charges was a matter of public interest and governance stability.
Trump’s Role and Adams’ Political Moves
- Adams met with President Trump in Florida while Trump was still president-elect.
- Adams skipped Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in NYC to attend Trump’s inauguration.
- Trump previously suggested Adams was “treated unfairly” and even mentioned a possible pardon.
Trump denies involvement in the DOJ’s decision, stating: “I know nothing about it.”
What Happens Next?
- Judge’s Approval Needed: The dismissal motion must be approved by the court before it takes effect.
- DOJ Investigation: The Justice Department has launched internal investigations into the prosecutors who refused to drop the case.
- Adams’ Political Future: The dropped charges clear the way for Adams to focus on running New York City and preparing for his reelection campaign.
Adams Faces Several Challengers in 2025, Including:
- Comptroller Brad Lander
- Former Comptroller Scott Stringer
- State Sen. Jessica Ramos
- State Sen. Zellnor Myrie
- Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani
