The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to argue that the Biden administration’s corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams was politically motivated. This development follows the DOJ’s recent motion to dismiss the charges, citing concerns over governmental weaponization and potential interference with the upcoming 2025 mayoral elections.
U.S. District Judge Dale Ho has scheduled a hearing to scrutinize the DOJ’s rationale for dropping the case. Judge Ho emphasized that the court is not obligated to accept the government’s request if it contradicts public interest.
A senior DOJ official described the case against Adams as “politically motivated” and “weak,” drawing parallels to the prosecution of former President Donald Trump by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. The official noted that both investigations appeared to target individuals prior to establishing concrete charges, with efforts intensifying following specific events—Trump’s presidential campaign announcement and Adams’ criticism of the Biden administration in late 2022.
The DOJ’s motion to dismiss argues that proceeding with the prosecution would violate President Trump’s executive order aimed at ending the weaponization of the federal government. The department also refuted allegations of a quid pro quo arrangement between Adams and the Trump administration, asserting that the decision to drop the case was based on concerns about election interference and Adams’ capacity to govern effectively.
This move has sparked internal dissent within the DOJ, leading to several high-profile resignations, including that of U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon, who opposed the directive to dismiss the charges against Adams.
As the situation unfolds, the DOJ is conducting an internal investigation into personnel involved in the case, focusing on potential insubordination and politically motivated activities within the Southern District of New York (SDNY).
The upcoming court hearing will be pivotal in determining the future of the case against Mayor Adams and addressing broader concerns about the politicization of the justice system.