The U.S. Justice Department has directed prosecutors to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, citing concerns that the case is interfering with his ability to support President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
The Justice Department’s directive, issued on Monday, calls for federal prosecutors in New York’s Southern District to withdraw charges against Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, who was indicted in September 2024. The move represents a rare federal intervention in a high-profile criminal case.
Adams had been charged with five counts of corruption, accused of accepting travel perks from Turkish officials and foreign political donations in exchange for favorable actions. He pleaded not guilty and argued that the Biden administration had unfairly targeted him for criticizing its immigration policies.
According to a Justice Department memo seen by Reuters, Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove stated that the indictment improperly interfered with Adams’ 2025 re-election campaign and his role in Trump’s immigration policy efforts.
Federal prosecutors have not yet confirmed that they will comply with the directive, according to court records on Monday evening. The Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office declined to comment.
Adams' defense attorney, Alex Spiro, welcomed the decision, stating, "As I said from the outset, the mayor is innocent—and he would prevail. Today he has."
However, the Justice Department memorandum suggests the charges could be reinstated. Bove wrote that the case should be dropped only if Adams agrees to the possibility of reindictment. Jay Clayton, Trump’s nominee to head the Southern District of New York, will decide whether to revive the charges after his Senate confirmation and the November 2025 mayoral election.
Adams’ trial had been set for April 21, ahead of the June Democratic primary for New York City’s mayoral race, where he faces multiple challengers.
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