Courtesy of AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura
In September 2024, New York City (NYC) Mayor Eric Adams was charged by federal prosecutors on several counts, including bribery, fraud, and violating campaign finance rules. These charges, brought against the holder of NYC’s highest public office, have sparked major controversy as the Department of Justice (DOJ), now under the leadership of President Trump, has attempted to dismiss the case, leading to the resignation of eight federal prosecutors. The decision to drop the charges is still pending, as U.S. District Judge Dale Ho is currently reviewing the motion presented by the DOJ.
Eric Adams, a Democrat, became the mayor of NYC in 2021 after defeating Republican Curtis Sliwa in a landslide victory. In 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York launched an investigation into Adams’ campaign to determine whether it had illegally received donations from the government of Turkey and other Turkish entities. The allegations claim that Adams accepted gifts, travel, and funds from Turkish nationals in exchange for political favors. One specific example is Adams directing the NYC Fire Department to approve a Turkish consulate building without proper inspection. To conceal these actions, Adams allegedly falsified documentation to make it appear as though he was self-funding his campaign. During court hearings, Adams pleaded not guilty to all charges.
However, in February 2025, the Trump administration pushed the DOJ to dismiss the case. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove argued that the charges against Adams were politically motivated and hindered his ability to continue his work as NYC’s mayor, particularly on key issues such as immigration and crime. This move sparked massive backlash, leading to several resignations within the Southern District of New York, including that of Acting U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon, who was in charge of the case. Strongly opposing its dismissal, Sassoon stated, “The reasons advanced by Mr. Bove for dismissing the indictment are not ones I can in good faith defend as in the public interest and as consistent with the principles of impartiality and fairness that guide my decision-making.”
Critics of the case’s dismissal argue that it represents a quid pro quo, suggesting Adams may have struck a deal with the Trump administration to have the charges dropped. One example cited is Adams, who remains NYC’s mayor, granting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) access to city facilities and resources. This aligns with one of the Trump administration’s key agenda items—cracking down on illegal immigration—making it a plausible negotiation point. However, Adams has denied making any deals with President Trump and continues to argue that the charges were politically driven from the outset.
Judge Ho has yet to decide on the DOJ’s motion to dismiss the charges, so they remain in place for the time being. Given the severity of the case, the decision will take time, with the next hearing scheduled for mid-March.
