Danielle Sassoon, the senior US prosecutor in Manhattan, resigned after defying an order to dismiss a corruption case implicating New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Sassoon, a conservative lawyer who had been recently promoted by President Donald Trump, claimed that dismissing the corruption case would set a “breathtaking and dangerous precedent.” Her departure, along with at least two other high-ranking justice department officials, illustrates rising discontent over substantial changes being made to federal law enforcement under the Trump administration.
What Claims Exist Against Mayor Eric Adams?
In an indictment filed last September, Adams was accused of accepting gifts valued over $100,000 from Turkish nationals in exchange for political favors. These supposedly included flight upgrades, fancy lunches, and hotel stays. Maintaining his innocence, Adams refuted the accusations Officials nominated by former President Joe Biden initially started the corruption investigation.
Why Involved Emil Bove, Acting Deputy Attorney General?
Trump appointee Emil Bove, acting deputy attorney general, directed Sassoon and New York prosecutors to drop the matter on Monday. Bove stated that the decision “restricted” Mayor Adams’ capacity to address major issues like “illegal immigration and violent crime,” both of which are central aims of Trump’s administration. Bove mostly said that the justice department would reserve the right to reinstate the charges following the forthcoming New York City mayoral election in November, not discussing the merits of the corruption case.
Why Did Sassoon Refuse to Close the Case?
Arguing in a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi that there was no “good faith” justification for dropping the corruption prosecution, Sassoon made it plain she would not do so. “Because the law does not support a dismissal, and because I am confident that Adams has committed the crimes with which he is charged, I cannot agree to seek a dismissal driven by improper considerations,” she wrote.
During a January 31 meeting, Sassoon also revealed that Adams’ representatives had proposed a “quid pro quo,” offering to assist with administrative policies only should the indictment be dropped. Denying this allegation, Adams’s attorney Alex Spiro said it was a “total lie” and said no arrangement was negotiated between the mayor’s office and the Trump administration.
How Did the Justice Department Respond to Sassoon's Refusal?
After Sassoon turned no, Bove sent a letter accepting her resignation and charging her of seeking a politically driven prosecution. Bove underlined that Sassoon’s conduct broke an express ruling meant to dismiss the corruption case. Other prosecutors engaged in the Adams case would also be put on leave and subjected to an internal inquiry, he also said. Sassoon herself would also face an inquiry.
On Thursday, John Keller, the interim head of the public corruption unit, and Kevin Driscoll, a senior official in the criminal division, also resigned from the justice department. Three additional prosecutors in the corruption squad also left their jobs in line.
How does Mayor Adams get along with the Trump Administration?
Particularly with relation to its strict immigration policy, Democrat Mayor Adams has showed a readiness to cooperate with the Trump government. Adams decided to let immigration agents reopen an office at Rikers Island jail on Thursday following meetings with Trump’s “border czar,” Tom Homan.
Adams said following his conversations with Homan, “I want to work with the new federal administration, not war with them, to find common ground and make better the life of New Yorkers.”
Has Mayor Adams addressed his legal issues with President Trump?
Adams attended his swearing-in ceremony and visited Trump in Florida just before his inauguration, but he has denied talking about his legal problems during those meetings. Trump subsequently told reporters he had not intervened in the corruption case involving Adams.
What particular charges comprise the Indictment Against Mayor Adams?
Charges of wire fraud, bribery, and foreign national political contributions form the indictment against Mayor Adams. It says Adams accepted a variety of gifts, including a $600 hotel stay in Istanbul worth over $7,000, during his tenure as Brooklyn borough president. Adams has entered not guilty and still denying any responsibility in spite of the severe accusations.
