Topline
The Situation Resolves: Trump's DOJ Requests Dismissal of Eric Adams Charges after 7 Prosecutors Step Down
Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove and his team urged Manhattan Judge Dale E. Ho to scrap the corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Friday, ending a week-long tussle. Seven Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors quit their positions in protest against the potential dismissal, alleging it was a quid pro quo arrangement with President Donald Trump's immigration agenda.
Key Facts
Friday saw the DOJ officials, led by Bove, petition the court to shelve the charges against Adams due to various factors, including potential impact on his reelection bid and work with Trump's immigration enforcement team. Bove personally put his signature on the paperwork, following the departure of acting U.S. Attorney in Manhattan Danielle Sassoon and five other DOJ personnel.
In a Thursday resignation letter to Trump's Attorney General Pam Bondi, Sassoon expressed confusion over the speed of matter resolution and likened it to a "quid pro quo," emphasizing that the prosecutors upheld the law without favoritism. Later that day, lead Adams prosecutor Hagan Scotten accused Bove of violating legal and ethical traditions in another scathing resignation letter. Aimed at Bove, Scotten pointed out that using prosecutorial power to sway other citizens, especially politicians, is unacceptable.
John Keller, the acting head of the DOJ’s Public Integrity Section, along with three other members, and Kevin Driscoll, the acting head of the Criminal Division, also resigned, as reported by multiple outlets.
What Was Adams Charged With?
Indicted in late September, Adams was accused of bribery, wire fraud, and campaign finance-related offenses. Prosecutors alleged he accepted illegal campaign donations from the Turkish government to his 2021 campaign, with transactions dating as far back as 2014 when he served as Brooklyn borough president. The indictment claimed an unnamed high-ranking Turkish diplomatic figure facilitated donations to Adams' campaign and offered him discounted Turkish Airlines flights and other perks in exchange for exerting pressure on New York City's fire department to approve a high-rise consulate for Turkey. Damian Williams, then-top federal prosecutor in Manhattan, stated in a release that Adams misused his position and traded constituents' interests for personal gains. Adams pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Why Did Emil Bove Ask For The Charges To Be Dropped?
On December 13, Bove recommended the Southern District of New York to drop the charges, arguing they were filed too close to the New York City Democratic primary. He insisted that Adams' cooperation with immigration policy reforms from Trump's administration was considerably limited due to the lawsuit. Bove instructed the charges be dismissed without prejudice, which means they could be re-instated in the future.
Why Is Trump Trying To Drop The Eric Adams Charges—and Is It Immigration-Related?
The memo outlining the dismissal pointed out that the prosecution was hampering Adams' ability to respond to illegal immigration and violent crimes, as well as hindering cooperation with federal immigration officials. Trump, a strong proponent of immigration reform and mass deportations, has threatened to crack down on cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration agents, aka "sanctuary cities." Adams, who recently met with Trump's border czar, has been dialoguing with Trump about immigration policies and may sign an executive order to enable the return of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to Rikers Island.
Why Did Danielle Sassoon Refuse To Drop Eric Adams Charges?
Undertaking the role of Manhattan's acting U.S. Attorney, Sassoon was the first to resign in protest against Bove's dismissal request. In her resignation letter to Bondi, Sassoon claimed that continuing the prosecution was essential for upholding justice, while Adams' lawyers repeatedly pushed for a quid pro quo. In a response to The New York Times, Adams' lawyer Alex Spiro dismissed Sassoon's claims, stating there was no such agreement.
What Has Trump Said About Eric Adams?
At a press conference, Trump denied he had requested Adams' charges be dismissed. After meeting with Adams in December, Trump hinted he might pardon Adams, indicating that "he's being treated pretty unfairly."
Further Reading
- DOJ Asks Prosecutors To Dismiss Charges Against NYC Mayor Eric Adams (Our Website)
- Seventh prosecutor in Eric Adams case resigns and calls out Trump’s former lawyer in scathing letter (CNN)
- Despite the protests from seven DOJ prosecutors who resigned due to potential quid pro quo arrangements, Emil Bove, acting Deputy Attorney General, has yet to formally withdraw the petition to dismiss the corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams in relation to his business dealings.
- In a bid to focus on immigration reform, President Donald Trump's immigration agenda apparently played a role in the Manhattan Borough prosecutor tossing out the sentencing of Mayor Adams, a move that has been met with controversy within the DOJ.
- The business community in the borough has voiced concerns over the potential impact on investor confidence and local business relations if the corruption charges against Mayor Adams are dropped, echoing the sentiments of the seven resigned prosecutors who believe justice should be served without bias or political favoritism.
