Eric Adams Controversy: Judge Won’t Immediately Drop Charges—Despite Trump DOJ’s Request

A federal judge did not immediately dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Friday, instead asking an independent attorney to present arguments on the Justice Department’s push to drop the case—as the Trump administration faces criticism for abandoning the charges and allegations the move was politically motivated.

Timeline

• Feb. 21 Judge Dale E. Ho vacated Adams’ trial date, but appointed Paul Clement—an attorney who served as U.S. solicitor general under President George W. Bush—to present arguments next month in the Justice Department’s request to drop the case against Adams.
• Feb. 19 New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is set to announce