NEW YORK — Federal prosecutors have moved to dismiss the corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, potentially clearing him of all charges as he campaigns for reelection in June.
A directive from Emil Bove, a senior Justice Department official, instructed the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York to request a full dismissal of the case. The move, first reported by The New York Times, cited concerns that the prosecution was politically motivated and could interfere with Adams’ ability to support President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
Trump’s Influence and Adams’ Alliance
Adams has openly backed Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration, aligning himself with the administration’s efforts to deport undocumented migrants. This alliance has drawn criticism from New York’s Democratic establishment, particularly as the decision to drop the case comes amid growing ties between the Republican president and the Democratic mayor.
“The pending prosecution has unduly restricted Mayor Adams’ ability to devote full attention and resources to the illegal immigration and violent crime that escalated under the policies of the prior administration,” Bove’s letter stated. He also argued that the charges against Adams had been politically driven and an example of the Biden administration’s alleged weaponization of the Justice Department.
Legal and Political Fallout
If approved by Judge Dale Ho, the motion would erase all five counts against Adams, saving him from a trial scheduled for April. However, the ruling could face scrutiny, as some legal experts suggest the judge has the authority to reject the request.
Thomas Frampton, an associate professor at the University of Virginia School of Law, said, “The ‘leave of court’ requirement exists precisely to guard against the dubious, perhaps corrupt, dismissal of cases against powerful and well-connected defendants.”
Meanwhile, Adams’ Democratic primary challengers seized on the decision as evidence of political favoritism. State Sen. Zellnor Myrie criticized the move, stating, “If there was any doubt left, today’s news makes it clear that justice is dead in America.”
Bribery Allegations and Prior Legal Proceedings
Federal prosecutors had charged Adams in September 2024, accusing him of accepting bribes from Turkish interests in exchange for political favors. The case revolved around donations allegedly linked to efforts to fast-track permits for the Turkish consulate while Adams served as Brooklyn borough president.
Adams had pleaded not guilty and repeatedly insisted on his innocence, arguing that he had no knowledge of illegal donations. His legal team, led by Alex Spiro, welcomed the DOJ’s decision. “As I said from the outset, the mayor is innocent—and he would prevail. Today he has,” Spiro said in a statement.
What Comes Next?
The DOJ’s motion includes a stipulation to reassess Adams’ case after the 2025 mayoral election, effectively postponing any further legal action until after his reelection bid. Additionally, federal officials have been directed to restore Adams’ security clearances, which had been revoked due to the corruption charges.
This case dismissal continues a pattern under Trump’s new administration of dropping politically sensitive cases inherited from the Biden administration. It remains to be seen whether Adams’ growing ties to Trump will help or hurt him in a heavily Democratic city like New York.
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