A federal judge on Friday refused to dismiss the corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams and announced an independent investigation into the Trump administration’s Justice Department for its decision to drop the charges.
U.S. District Judge Dale Ho, a Biden appointee, ruled that the case would not be immediately dismissed and appointed outside counsel to review the DOJ’s handling of the case.
NEW: Judge Dale Ho appoints Paul Clement to present “friend of the court” arguments on the government’s motion to dismiss Eric Adams’s charges. pic.twitter.com/aSuwIO2aDq
— Anna Bower (@AnnaBower) February 21, 2025
According to Reuters, Judge Ho delayed Adams’ trial indefinitely and tapped Paul Clement of Clement & Murphy PLLC to argue against the Justice Department’s motion to dismiss.
Earlier this month, the Trump administration’s DOJ, led by Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, directed federal prosecutors in New York to drop all charges against Adams.
However, the decision sparked internal turmoil at the DOJ.
The Justice Department’s move led to major resignations within the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York (SDNY).
Danielle Sassoon, the Acting U.S. Attorney for SDNY, abruptly resigned just days after being instructed to drop the charges.
Her resignation was followed by several other federal prosecutors, who quit in protest.
Emil Bove criticized Sassoon in a scathing eight-page letter, accusing her of insubordination.
On February 14, Bove summoned all remaining Public Integrity Section lawyers into one room and gave them an ultimatum: drop the Adams case within an hour, or they would all be fired.
DOJ leadership has put all Public Integrity Section lawyers into a room with 1 hour to decide who will dismiss Adams indictment or else all will be fired. Sending them strength to stand by their oath, which is to support the Constitution, not the president’s political agenda. 🇺🇸
— Barb McQuade (@BarbMcQuade) February 14, 2025
Later that evening, one prosecutor ultimately agreed to file the motion to dismiss the charges against Adams.
In the motion, the DOJ wrote:
“The United States respectfully submits this motion seeking dismissal without prejudice of the charges in this case.”
With Judge Ho refusing to dismiss the case and appointing outside counsel for review, the controversy surrounding Adams’ legal troubles—and the Justice Department’s handling of the case—is far from over.