DOJ Orders Prosecutors to Drop Charges Against NYC Mayor Eric Adams

The Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered prosecutors to dismiss the corruption case against New York City’s Democratic Mayor Eric Adams.

The Details: In a memo, Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove referenced the Trump administration’s efforts to end the “weaponization” of the federal government, and directed the department to cease “targeting” Adams. Bove argued the prosecution “improperly interfered” with Adams’ 2025 mayoral campaign, and “unduly restricted Mayor Adams’ ability to devote full attention and resources to the illegal immigration and violent crime.”

Biden-era Context: Proceedings against Adam began in late 2023 on suspicions that he had taken illegal bribes from foreign officials. In November 2023, after Adams had scheduled a meeting with President Biden about the border crisis, the FBI raided the homes of Adams and one of his top aides, seizing two of Adams’ cell phones and an iPad. The meeting was canceled after the raids. In September 2024, Adams was indicted and pleaded not guilty. The probe originally focused only on interactions with Turkey but was then widened to include 5 other countries.

Trump-era Context: In December 2024, Adams said he would work with then-incoming President Trump and his administration to deport migrants who have committed crimes. Shortly thereafter, New York City’s Campaign Finance Board denied Adams $4 million in matching campaign funds because of the charges against him.

How The Media Covered It: The New York Times (Lean Left bias) reported on January 29 that the DOJ was discussing dropping the charges. The Hill (Center) opened its coverage by saying Adams “had cozied up with President Trump in recent months.” Both CNN (Lean Left) and The New York Post (Lean Right) included ample context on Adams getting closer to Trump. The Post also ran coverage of Adams’ preliminary reaction to the news, and as per usual, referred to Adams as “Hizzoner.”