NEW YORK — On Monday, the Justice Department made a significant announcement instructing federal prosecutors to withdraw corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. This decision marks a significant shift from traditional practices and is based on the assertion that the ongoing case was hindering the mayor’s ability to assist the administration in combating illegal immigration.
In a memo from acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, it was stated that prosecutors in New York were “directed to dismiss” the bribery charges against Adams immediately. Bove clarified that this directive was not due to the merits of the case but rather the timing of the charges, which were set too close to Adams’ reelection campaign, distracting him from engaging fully in the administration’s priorities regarding illegal immigration and violent crime.
Bove’s memo emphasized that the prosecution was unnecessarily constricting Mayor Adams’ capabilities to focus on pressing issues. Additionally, it instructed New York prosecutors against taking any further investigative measures against the mayor until after the elections in November, leaving the door open for the possibility of re-filing charges post-election, contingent upon a review.
This intervention by the Justice Department, suggesting that a notable public figure could be too busy with governmental duties to be held accountable for alleged wrongdoing, represents a stark departure from the established norms. Typically, the Justice Department conducts investigations into high-profile officials, such as former President Donald Trump, without claiming that legal proceedings should be put on hold due to official responsibilities.
Alex Spiro, Adams’ attorney, expressed that this directive validates the mayor’s claims of innocence. He stated, “Now, thankfully, the mayor and New York can put this unfortunate and misguided prosecution behind them.” Spider, also recognized for his work with prominent clients like Elon Musk, highlighted the sense of relief following the Justice Department’s decision.
A spokesperson for the acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Danielle Sassoon, chose not to comment. The charges against Adams were initiated under the former U.S. attorney for the district, Damien Williams, who resigned before Trump began his presidency.
The decision comes after months of speculation regarding Trump’s potential influence to terminate the case, which had originally accused Adams of accepting bribes in the form of free or discounted travel and illegal campaign contributions from foreign individuals seeking to gain his political influence.
Since the indictment, Mayor Adams has noticeably shifted his positioning politically, adopting more right-leaning views, which has caused friction within his party. His earlier stance of limiting cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement has softened, as he now shows a willingness to amend the city’s sanctuary policies and has refrained from criticizing Trump’s administration, which he had previously labelled as “abusive.”
Opponents in the Democratic primary seized upon the Justice Department’s announcement, suggesting that Adams aligned himself more closely with Trump’s agenda in hopes of leniency. Brad Lander, the city’s comptroller and a rival in the mayoral race, remarked, “Instead of standing up for New Yorkers, Adams is standing up for precisely one person.” Another opponent, state Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, called for scrutiny into any potential agreements between Adams and the Trump administration that might breach city laws.
Trump, facing his legal challenges, has shown support for Adams, previously hinting at the possibility of a pardon and suggesting that the mayor has been treated unfairly for his criticisms of Biden’s immigration policies. Trump remarked, “I know what it’s like to be persecuted by the DOJ, for speaking out against open borders.” The investigation into Adams reportedly began prior to his public disputes with Biden regarding migrant funding.
In his memo, Bove also noted that Adams’ prior criticisms of the past administration’s immigration policies could not be overlooked. The criminal allegations against Adams include claims of accepting unlawful campaign donations and extravagant travel benefits exceeding $100,000 while serving as Brooklyn Borough president.
The charges detail how a Turkish official facilitated luxury trips, subsequently exerting influence on Adams to advocate for certain favors, including lobbying the Fire Department for a crucial building project. Additionally, prosecutors allege that Adams orchestrated efforts to disguise foreign contributions to comply with a city program, despite federal laws prohibiting foreign donations to U.S. political campaigns.
As recently as January 6, prosecutors indicated that the investigation remained open, suggesting continued findings of criminal activity linked to Adams. The responsibility to implement the dismissal order falls to Sassoon, who took up her role the day after Trump assumed office. Her appointment is viewed as provisional until confirmed by the Senate, where Jay Clayton has been nominated for the position.
Moreover, federal inquiries have also extended to other senior aides within Adams’ office. Before his indictment, authorities had confiscated devices from various top officials, including the police commissioner and schools chancellor, all of whom have since resigned following the allegations, although they maintained their innocence.
The saga continues as Adams adjusts his political rhetoric in response to the changing landscape, indicated by the recent indictment of his chief adviser and close associate, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, on separate corruption charges.
