Federal prosecutors in New York have moved to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, ending a legal battle that has caused significant upheaval within the Justice Department (DOJ). The motion to dismiss, filed in court on Friday, cited concerns about political interference in the 2025 NYC elections and the impact on Adams’ ability to govern.
However, the decision has sparked internal DOJ turmoil, leading to multiple resignations from senior prosecutors who opposed dropping the case.
DOJ Motion to Dismiss Charges
The five-count indictment, filed in September 2024, charged Adams with bribery, conspiracy, and campaign finance violations. If convicted, he could have faced up to 45 years in prison.
According to the motion to dismiss, the Acting Deputy Attorney General, authorized by the Attorney General, determined that dropping the case was necessary due to:
- Concerns about the appearance of impropriety in the legal proceedings.
- Risks of interfering with the 2025 elections in New York City.
- The need to allow Adams to govern effectively without ongoing legal distractions.
The judge presiding over the case must approve the motion before the charges are officially dropped.
Internal DOJ Revolt Over Dismissal
The decision to drop the charges originated from DOJ headquarters after Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, a former Trump attorney, issued a directive to prosecutors in Manhattan.
However, the move triggered an internal rebellion within the DOJ, with senior prosecutors and attorneys publicly opposing the decision.
- Danielle Sassoon, the acting head of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York (SDNY), resigned in protest.
- Sassoon’s resignation letter alleged that Adams’ lawyers offered a quid pro quo, suggesting that Adams would support Trump’s immigration policies in exchange for dropping the charges.
- Three additional senior officials from the DOJ’s Public Integrity Unit in Washington, D.C., also resigned.
- Line prosecutor Hagan Scotten resigned and publicly criticized the move, stating that prosecutorial power should not be used to influence elected officials.
Allegations of Political Influence in the Case
Bove denied the quid pro quo allegations and defended the dismissal, arguing that prosecuting Adams interfered with national security efforts and the mayor’s ability to work with federal agencies.
In contrast, Sassoon and other prosecutors accused the Trump administration of dropping the case for political gain, given Adams’ meetings with Trump and his shifting stance on immigration policies.
Former FBI Director James Comey and seven former U.S. attorneys released a joint statement supporting Sassoon, calling the DOJ’s actions a dangerous precedent.
Adams Denies Any Deal with Trump Administration
In response to the allegations, Adams strongly denied any arrangement with Trump’s team.
“I never offered—nor did anyone offer on my behalf—any trade of my authority as your mayor for an end to my case. Never,” Adams said in a statement.
He emphasized that he remains focused on governing New York City and preparing for his 2025 re-election campaign.
Impact on Adams’ Political Future
The dismissal of charges allows Adams to continue his mayoral duties and run for re-election in 2025. However, he still faces significant political challenges:
- Multiple challengers in the 2025 Democratic primary, including:
- New York City Comptroller Brad Lander
- Former Comptroller Scott Stringer
- State Senator Jessica Ramos
- State Senator Zellnor Myrie
- Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani
- Calls for his resignation from some city lawmakers and constituents.
- Governor Kathy Hochul has indicated she is discussing options with colleagues regarding Adams’ future.
Trump’s Response
Former President Donald Trump denied any involvement in the case dismissal.
“I didn’t. I know nothing about it. I did not,” Trump told reporters.
However, he had previously suggested that Adams was treated unfairly and that he would consider pardoning him if necessary. The dismissal of the case now eliminates the need for a presidential pardon.
