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A federal judge on Wednesday permanently dismissed corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, citing concerns that the Department of Justice (DOJ) sought to use the case as political leverage over the mayor and his administration.
The ruling by U.S. District Judge Dale Ho came after the DOJ moved to drop the charges in February, arguing that the prosecution interfered with federal immigration policies and Mayor Adams’ ability to govern. The department asked that the charges be “dismissed without prejudice,” allowing for the case to be potentially carried out at a later date. However, Judge Ho found the DOJ’s reasoning unconvincing, stating that allowing the charges to remain would create a scenario where federal prosecutors could wield undue influence over the nation’s largest city.
“To the extent that the Government may be seeking to extract policy concessions from the Mayor, dismissal with prejudice rather than continuation of the prosecution best addresses that concern,” Ho wrote in his 78-page order.
Political Fallout: Accusations of DOJ Weaponization
The decision comes amid growing concerns that the Trump administration may have used the charges to pressure Adams on immigration enforcement. Ho’s ruling suggested that after the DOJ sought to dismiss the case, Adams took at least one new immigration-related action in line with the administration’s preferences, raising questions about a possible quid pro quo.
“Everything here smacks of a bargain: dismissal of the Indictment in exchange for immigration policy concessions,” Ho wrote.
The DOJ criticized the ruling, with a spokesperson calling it “an example of political weaponization and a waste of resources.”
“We are focused on arresting and prosecuting terrorists while returning the Department of Justice to its core mission of keeping Americans safe,” the DOJ statement said.
Mayor Adams Declares Victory, Vows to Continue Re-Election Bid
Speaking outside Gracie Mansion on Wednesday afternoon, Adams reiterated his innocence and apologized to New Yorkers for the turmoil caused by the charges.
“I want you to know that I never stopped working for you. Not for one day, not for one hour, not for one minute, because you are who I think about every morning. You are my North Star.”
Adams, who has faced intense scrutiny and political pressure since his September indictment, made it clear that he remains committed to his 2025 re-election bid.
“And you know what, I’m going to win.”
The Charges Against Adams: A Recap
Adams was indicted in September on allegations that he received over $100,000 in luxury travel perks from wealthy Turkish nationals while serving in local government. Prosecutors claimed that in exchange for free airfare and luxury hotel stays, Adams pressured the New York Fire Department to approve the 2021 opening of a Turkish consulate, despite safety concerns.
Adams pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing throughout the case.
His attorney, Alex Spiro, said the charges were “baseless” and should never have been brought.
“The case against Eric Adams should have never been brought in the first place — and finally today that case is gone forever.”
Judge Ho’s Decision: What It Means
While the ruling clears Adams of federal charges, Judge Ho stressed that his decision does not determine whether the mayor was guilty or innocent.
“It is important to clarify that the Court’s decision today is not about whether Mayor Adams is innocent or guilty. Mayor Adams, like any person accused of a crime, is presumed innocent until proven guilty.”
However, the judge rebuked the DOJ’s rationale for dropping the case, calling its claims about election interference “thin” and “pretextual”.
“The timeframe was entirely consistent with prior public corruption prosecutions. All of this suggests that the ‘appearances of impropriety’ rationale is not just thin, but pretextual.”
Political and Legal Fallout
The dismissal has intensified the debate over the Trump administration’s use of the DOJ to influence state and local governance.
Following the February motion to dismiss, four of Adams’ deputy mayors and seven federal prosecutors resigned, raising concerns about instability within both the city’s government and the broader justice system.
Pressure also mounted on New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to consider using her rarely exercised power to remove the mayor. However, she declined to intervene, citing “the will of the voters and the supremacy and sanctity of democratic elections.”
It remains unclear whether Wednesday’s ruling will change Hochul’s stance on Adams’ future. Her office has not commented on whether the dismissal could reignite discussions about mayoral removal proceedings.
What’s Next for Adams?
With the charges dismissed, Adams now faces the challenge of rebuilding public trust and steering his administration forward.
His ability to navigate ongoing political and legal scrutiny, while campaigning for re-election in 2025, will likely determine his future in New York politics.
For now, Adams remains defiant, telling reporters:
“This is not just a victory for me, but a victory for New Yorkers and for justice.”
