The Department of Justice (DOJ) is experiencing significant upheaval following Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove’s directive to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. This controversial decision has prompted a series of high-profile resignations within the DOJ, raising concerns about the department’s independence and the potential politicization of legal proceedings.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon resigned on Thursday after refusing to comply with Bove’s order to drop the case against Mayor Adams. In her resignation letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Sassoon expressed confusion over the expedited process leading to the decision, suggesting it was made in collaboration with Adams’s legal team and without her direct input. She criticized the proposed dismissal, stating it undermined the principle of equal justice and violated professional conduct rules. Sassoon highlighted concerns about an alleged proposal to dismiss charges in exchange for Adams’s assistance with federal immigration enforcement, describing such an arrangement as an improper quid pro quo.
Following Sassoon’s departure, additional resignations ensued. Kevin Driscoll and John Keller, officials leading the DOJ’s Public Integrity Section, stepped down in protest of the directive. Their resignations were accompanied by those of three other lawyers within the unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hagan Scotten, who had been placed on administrative leave for his refusal to comply, also tendered his resignation. In his resignation letter, Scotten criticized the rationale behind the dismissal as “transparently pretextual” and condemned the use of criminal charges to coerce political support, labeling it a violation of legal and ethical standards.
The DOJ’s motion to dismiss the charges, signed by Acting Deputy Attorney General Bove, argued that the indictment against Mayor Adams was politically motivated and could hinder his ability to collaborate on federal initiatives, particularly in areas like immigration enforcement. The motion suggested that dismissing the charges would preserve national security interests and public safety. However, critics within the department contend that this reasoning sets a dangerous precedent, potentially allowing political considerations to influence judicial proceedings.
Mayor Adams, who was indicted in September 2024 on charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and federal program bribery, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. His attorney, Alex Spiro, refuted allegations of a quid pro quo arrangement, asserting that no offers were made or requested in exchange for dismissing the case. The court has yet to approve the DOJ’s motion to dismiss, leaving the future of the case uncertain.
This series of resignations and internal dissent underscores the broader implications of the DOJ’s decision, highlighting concerns about maintaining the department’s independence and upholding the rule of law amidst potential political pressures.
