Order To Drop Adams’ Case Roils Justice Department

February 14, 2025 5:01 am

NEW YORK (AP) — Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor, Danielle Sassoon, and five high-ranking Justice Department officials have resigned after she refused an order to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. It’s a stunning escalation in a dayslong standoff over the Trump administration prioritizing political aims over criminal culpability. Sassoon is a Republican who was interim U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. She accused the department of acceding to a “quid pro quo” — namely, dropping the case to ensure Adams’ help with Trump’s immigration agenda. And she said she was “confident” the Democratic mayor committed the crimes spelled out in his indictment, and even more.