DOJ Orders Corruption Charges Against NYC Mayor Eric Adams to be Dismissed

Acting Attorney General Emil Bove Orders Dismissal

The Department of Justice has ordered the corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams to be dismissed, a department official told NBC News. Acting Attorney General Emil Bove ordered the U.S. Attorney of the Southern District of New York to dismiss all charges against the mayor, according to a DOJ official. Bove argued in a two-page memo that the case was interfering with the mayor’s ability to aid President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

Interference with Mayoral Duties

“The pending prosecution has unduly restricted Mayor Adams’ ability to devote full attention and resources to the illegal immigration and violent crime,” Bove wrote.

Dismissal without Prejudice

The dismissal would be without prejudice. The DOJ official added that the charges would be reviewed when a U.S. Attorney appointed by President Trump is confirmed.

Possible Refusal by Prosecutors

The order does not necessarily mean that the case has been dismissed, however. A dismissal would have to come in the form of a motion, which would be reviewed by a judge, according to NBC News. It is possible that prosecutors with the Southern District of New York could refuse to carry out the order.

Carrying Out the Order

The task of carrying out the order to dismiss the case will fall to the acting U.S. attorney for Manhattan, Danielle Sassoon, who assumed the job the day after Trump took office. Her role was intended to be temporary; Trump in November nominated Jay Clayton, the former chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, to the post, an appointment that must be confirmed by the Senate.

Reactions from Opponents

Political opponents of Adams were quick to condemn the DOJ’s decision. State Sen. Zellnor Myrie, a Democrat challenging Adams in the mayoral primary, said it “makes it clear that justice is dead in America,” adding that New Yorkers should be outraged if the charges do get dropped.

Attorney’s Response

Adams’ attorney, Alex Spiro, said in a statement that “I said from the outset, the mayor is innocent — and he would prevail. Today he has.” The facts of the case are clear: the mayor never used his official position for personal benefit. Nor did he have any role in violating campaign finance laws. Despite a lot of fanfare and sensational claims, ultimately there was no evidence presented that he broke any laws, ever,” the statement read.

Background on the Case

Adams was scheduled to go on trial in April on charges that he accepted luxury travel perks and illegal campaign contributions from foreign nationals in exchange for political favors, including helping the Turkish officials resolve city approvals for a diplomatic building in Manhattan. Adams allegedly accepted the perks worth more than $100,000 — including expensive flight upgrades, luxury hotel stays and even a trip to a bathhouse — while serving in his previous job as Brooklyn Borough president.

Prosecutors’ Evidence

Prosecutors also said they had evidence of Adams personally directing campaign staffers to solicit foreign donations, then disguising those contributions in order to qualify for a city program that provides a generous, publicly-funded match for small dollar donations. Foreign nationals are banned from contributing to U.S. election campaigns under federal law.

Conclusion

The DOJ’s decision to dismiss the corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams has raised eyebrows and sparked controversy. While the mayor’s attorney has maintained his innocence, opponents have criticized the move as an attempt to let Adams off the hook.

FAQs

Q: Why did the DOJ order the charges against Mayor Adams to be dismissed?
A: Acting Attorney General Emil Bove argued that the case was interfering with the mayor’s ability to aid President Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

Q: Will the charges against Mayor Adams be officially dismissed?
A: The order does not necessarily mean that the case has been dismissed. A dismissal would have to come in the form of a motion, which would be reviewed by a judge.

Q: Who will carry out the order to dismiss the case?
A: The task will fall to the acting U.S. attorney for Manhattan, Danielle Sassoon.

Q: What is the next step in the case?
A: The charges will be reviewed when a U.S. Attorney appointed by President Trump is confirmed.