Three senior Justice Department officials in New York and Washington resigned on Thursday instead of complying with orders from the Trump administration to dismiss the corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. This move represents a significant rebuke to President Trump's team at the Justice Department.
The acting US attorney for the Southern District of New York, Danielle Sassoon, resigned in protest, stating that the mayor's attorneys had suggested a quid pro quo to help Trump on immigration if the case against Adams was dropped. Following Sassoon's resignation, acting deputy attorney general Emil Bove directed the dismissal of the case, leading to further resignations within the department.
The decision to drop the federal corruption case against Adams has raised concerns about the independence of the US attorney's office in New York, which is tasked with investigating wrongdoing in the nation's largest city. The move has sparked controversy and questions about political motivations behind the decision.
Adams' legal team argued that the criminal charges were hindering the mayor's ability to govern effectively and prepare for trial. They pushed for the dismissal of the case, which was ultimately ordered by Bove in a memo citing the mayor's need to focus on immigration enforcement.
Despite denials of any quid pro quo by Adams' attorneys, the Justice Department is now facing internal turmoil over the handling of the case. The situation has escalated with resignations and internal investigations within the department.
If the Justice Department proceeds with the dismissal of the case, it will require approval from Judge Dale Ho, a Biden appointee, who may seek additional information before making a decision.
The corruption case against Mayor Adams dates back to allegations of illegal actions during his time as Brooklyn Borough president. Adams has maintained his innocence and claimed that the prosecution is politically motivated.
