Senior officials at the Justice Department under President Donald Trump have been in talks with federal prosecutors in Manhattan about the possibility of dismissing the corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, according to sources familiar with the matter. Discussions have also been held with Adams’ defense team, led by Alex Spiro, who is also the personal lawyer for Elon Musk.
Talks Surrounding Potential Case Dismissal
Adams was indicted in September on charges including bribery, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign contributions following an investigation that began in 2021. He has pleaded not guilty and claims that the prosecution is politically motivated due to his criticism of the Biden administration’s immigration policies. Federal prosecutors have rejected that claim, maintaining that the charges are based on substantial evidence.
Trump’s Take on the Case
President Trump has publicly suggested that Adams was treated “unfairly” by prosecutors and hinted at a possible pardon. However, dropping the case would enable Adams to claim innocence without Trump having to issue a potentially controversial pardon. Two sources familiar with the discussions said that Adams’ defense team has highlighted Trump’s criticism of the case in their arguments for dismissal. However, Spiro denied any claims that he suggested Adams would withhold cooperation with Trump’s immigration policies if the case remained active. Department officials in Washington are scheduled to meet with both Manhattan prosecutors and Adams’ legal team soon. Currently, the Southern District of New York, known for its independence, is handling the case under interim U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon.
Political and Legal Implications
The case has broader implications, particularly given Trump’s immigration agenda. Adams presides over a sanctuary city, and the Justice Department is part of a federal crackdown on undocumented migrants. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove recently warned that local officials could face prosecution if they obstruct federal immigration policies.
The potential dismissal of Adams’ case comes during a period of uncertainty for federal corruption prosecutors. The head of the public integrity section of the Justice Department recently resigned rather than accept a reassignment, highlighting internal turmoil. The discussions about Adams’ case are happening as the department undergoes significant personnel changes, with Trump’s nominees for key positions, including attorney general, awaiting confirmation.
If senior officials order the case to be dismissed, Sassoon would face a difficult choice—she could either resign or comply with the order. Dismissing the case would provide Adams with an opportunity to portray the prosecution as flawed from the start, which could help him as he seeks re-election.
Ongoing Investigations and Possible New Charges
Despite discussions of dismissal, the investigation into Adams is not over. The prosecutors have indicated in recent filings that they have uncovered additional evidence of criminal conduct involving Adams and his associates. New charges may be forthcoming as prosecutors continue their work. Court documents have revealed that further evidence was presented to a grand jury, suggesting that the legal battle is far from concluded. The Justice Department has already moved to halt other high-profile cases under Trump, raising concerns about political interference. For now, the fate of the Adams case remains uncertain, with both legal and political stakes at play.
