NEW YORK — A federal judge has delayed a decision on whether to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The Justice Department, under President Trump’s administration, has requested the dismissal of the case, citing national security and immigration concerns.
U.S. Southern District Judge Dale Ho, a Biden appointee, presided over the hearing in lower Manhattan. During the hearing, Judge Ho expressed the need for more time to weigh the decision.
“I need to carefully consider the implications of this request,” Judge Ho stated.
The Justice Department’s request to drop the case has been met with significant controversy. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove argued that proceeding with the case would interfere with Adams’ ability to address critical issues such as illegal immigration and violent crime.
“What is set forth here is my conclusion that this case is an abuse of prosecutorial discretion,” Bove said.
However, former Manhattan U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon, who resigned in protest, suggested that the dismissal attempt was part of a quid pro quo deal with the Trump White House. “The dismissal attempt was more than a longshot,” Sassoon said. “It amounted to a quid pro quo between the mayor and the Trump administration, requiring the mayor to get on board with Trump’s agenda in exchange for dodging charges.”
Adams’ attorney, Alex Spiro, denied any improper conduct and emphasized that the mayor had not committed a crime.
“The mayor is innocent – and he would prevail,” Spiro said. “The Department of Justice has reevaluated this case and determined it should not go forward.”
The decision to drop the case has led to multiple resignations within the Justice Department, including Sassoon’s.
“The terms of the dismissal Adams has agreed to amounted to a quid pro quo between the mayor and the Trump administration,” Sassoon stated.
As the judge continues to deliberate, Mayor Eric Adams’s political future hangs in the balance. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for both Adams and the city of New York.
