Justice Department Drops Charges Against New York Mayor Eric Adams
The Justice Department has ordered the dismissal of corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams, citing the interference with his duties related to immigration and crime.
The Justice Department ordered federal prosecutors on Monday to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, arguing that the case was interfering with the mayor's efforts to address illegal immigration and violent crime.
In a two-page memo obtained by The Associated Press, acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove urged an immediate pause in the prosecution, describing it as politically tainted.
Bove stated that the decision was not based on the merits of the case but because it distracted Adams from focusing on escalating issues related to immigration and crime under the previous administration’s policies.
The Justice Department's order instructs that the case be dismissed without prejudice, leaving the door open for potential refiling in the future.
This unusual directive marks a significant deviation from Justice Department standards, as public officials are typically held to account regardless of their official duties.
Attorney for Adams, Alex Spiro, welcomed the order as a vindication of the mayor's innocence, stating that it allows the city to move forward from this “unfortunate and misguided prosecution.”
The decision follows months of speculation regarding the Trump administration’s potential intervention in the case, in which Adams was accused of receiving illegal campaign contributions and travel perks valued over $100,000 during his tenure as Brooklyn Borough president.
Adams had previously met with Trump, suggesting a more favorable relationship that diverged from typical party criticisms, although he publicly remained committed to voting for Kamala Harris.
The criminal charges revolved around claims that Adams accepted campaign donations from foreign entities, which is a violation of federal law.
In addition to Adams, federal investigations had also implicated several other senior aides, with some resigning amid the ongoing inquiries.
