NEW YORK, NY (LOOTPRESS) – The U.S. Department of Justice has instructed federal prosecutors in New York to drop the corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, marking a significant turn in the high-profile legal battle.
Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove issued a memo on Monday directing prosecutors from the Southern District of New York (SDNY) to abandon the charges, according to sources familiar with the matter. The decision follows a late-January meeting between Adams’ legal team, Manhattan federal prosecutors, and senior Justice Department officials, where dropping the case was reportedly discussed.
Case Background and Indictment
Adams was indicted in September on five counts, including bribery, conspiracy, and campaign finance violations. He pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his trial was originally set to begin in April. While prosecutors must still formally submit a motion to dismiss the charges, the final decision will rest with the judge overseeing the case.
Political Ties and Federal Cooperation
Since his indictment, Adams has strengthened ties with former President Donald Trump and key figures in his administration. He met with Trump in Florida before he took office, attended his inauguration in Washington, D.C., and recently participated in the National Prayer Breakfast in the capital. Despite speculation, Adams has denied discussing his legal troubles with Trump during their Florida meeting.
Adams’ relationship with the White House has raised questions about New York’s standing in federal immigration enforcement. While federal immigration agents have ramped up operations nationwide, New York City has largely avoided becoming a target. Meanwhile, Chicago and Illinois faced lawsuits from the Trump administration over their immigration policies.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem recently praised Adams for his cooperation with DHS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The mayor has emphasized that federal operations in the city focus on violent criminals rather than broader immigration enforcement.
On January 28, Adams reaffirmed his stance on law enforcement collaboration, stating:
“As I have repeatedly said, we will not hesitate to partner with federal authorities to bring violent criminals to justice — just as we have done for years. Our commitment to protecting our city’s law-abiding residents, both citizens and immigrants, remains unwavering.”
With the corruption case now poised for dismissal, political analysts speculate on how this will impact Adams’ standing both locally and nationally.
