Adams Claims Vindication in Trump DOJ Move to Dismiss Corruption Case

Mayor Eric Adams Seeks to Put Corruption Charges Behind Him

Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday said a demand by the U.S. Department of Justice to make Manhattan federal prosecutors drop corruption charges against him proves his innocence, insisting that he “never broke the law” and vowing to regain the trust of the city.

DOJ’s Unusual Request

In a six-minute livestreamed statement that did not allow for questions from the media afterward, the mayor never mentioned President Donald Trump, despite a memo from the DOJ’s second in command ordering federal prosecutors to drop his five-count indictment, citing the mayor’s role in helping Trump’s mass deportation plan.

Adams’ Reaction

Adams also claimed his “unnecessary ordeal” was over, even though the move still requires a review and approval from the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

“I thank the Justice Department for its honesty,” he said from behind a podium inside the Blue Room at City Hall, which reporters were barred from entering.

Charges Not Dismissed Yet

The request from the DOJ doesn’t completely get Adams off the hook, however. The ask was for federal prosecutors to drop the charges “without prejudice” — which means the charges could be refiled in the future.

Governor Kathy Hochul’s Response

Meanwhile, at a separate press conference Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul said she would not use her power to remove the mayor. She said she expected Adams to focus on governing and be a partner in pursuit of common goals.

Reaction from Other Elected Officials

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who is next in line to become mayor if anything causes Adams to leave office before November, blasted the DOJ move and all but called for a resignation.

“The mayor is simply lying to New Yorkers — the good news is, he’s never given them a reason to believe him before, so I hope they don’t start now,” Williams said in a statement after Adams’ speech.

Conclusion

Adams’ reprieve from corruption charges has sparked a heated debate, with some calling for him to resign and others backing his claims of innocence. The mayor’s legal troubles are far from over, as the charges could be refiled in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the charges against Mayor Eric Adams?
A: Mayor Eric Adams is facing five counts of corruption charges, including bribery and campaign finance fraud.

Q: Why did the DOJ ask to drop the charges?
A: The DOJ cited Adams’ role in helping Trump’s mass deportation plan as the reason for the unusual request.

Q: Will the charges be dismissed?
A: Not yet. The request from the DOJ requires review and approval from the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Q: What is Mayor Adams’ response to the DOJ’s request?
A: Adams claims the move proves his innocence and vows to regain the trust of the city.