Why Dropping Eric Adams’ Case Is ‘Dangerous’

The move to dismiss federal corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams leaves him “beholden” to President Donald Trump and sets a “dangerous precedent,” legal experts have told Newsweek.

“There’s no doubt this action leaves Adams beholden to the Trump administration, and to [Trump] personally, who has significant interests in New York City,” Costas Panagopoulos, a professor of political science at Northeastern University, told Newsweek.

“It also sends a signal that corruption will be tolerated so long as perpetrators conform to the political whims of those in power.”

Adams’ office has been contacted for comment via email. The Justice Department has been contacted for comment via a contact form on its website.

Why It Matters

The Trump administration’s move marked a significant break from longstanding Justice Department norms and came after months of speculation amid private talks and overtures between Adams, a Democrat, and the Republican president.

The mayor was indicted in September on charges of conspiracy, wire fraud and bribery. Prosecutors alleged he accepted illegal campaign contributions and discounted travel from foreign nationals seeking to buy his influence while he was campaigning to become mayor. He had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Adams has riled some Democrats who have accused him of cozying up to Trump. He has instructed officials to cooperate with Trump’s agenda on immigration and other issues, said he would be “working with the president” and refused to criticize Trump or his policies.

What To Know

Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove ordered prosecutors to drop the charges against Adams in a two-page memo, which was obtained by The Associated Press.

Bove said the decision was not based on “the strength of evidence” in the case, but because it has “improperly interfered” with Adams’ reelection campaign and was distracting from the mayor’s efforts to assist in the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

Grant Davis Reeher, a professor of political science at Syracuse University, said the order was “extraordinary” and “concerning.”

“Rather than point to problems in the case, it explains the action by reference to the mayor’s efforts to cooperate with the administration on immigration, and the proximity to an election,” he told Newsweek.

“The order seems to be saying that elected officials should not be held to account for possible criminal violations and corruption, simply because they are doing their jobs and an election is on the horizon. That’s a dangerous precedent.”

Bove’s memo also noted that the case against Adams should be dismissed without prejudice, giving prosecutors the option of refiling charges at a later date.

Some have warned that the caveat leaves Adams vulnerable to pressure from the Trump administration.

“By dismissing the charges without prejudice, the Trump administration retains the option to refile charges and keeps open a channel to exert political pressure,” the New York Civil Liberties Union said in a statement.

“By giving ground to Trump’s cruel immigration designs, Adams is betraying our communities. New Yorkers must wonder whether the Mayor’s personal interests and the City’s are now in indefinite conflict.”

The indictment against Adams “can be refiled after the mayoral election if the new U.S. attorney, who should be confirmed by summer, decides to do so,” Stephen Gillers, a professor at NYU School of Law, told Newsweek.

“However, Main Justice in D.C. will have veto power over any decision to refile and the likelihood that a new U.S. attorney would even choose to refile is quite low. In effect, then, this will be the end of the case.”

What People Are Saying

Adams said during a press conference on Tuesday: “Now we can put this cruel episode behind us and focus entirely on the future of our city. It’s time to move forward. But despite the fact that I am no longer facing legal questions, I also understand that many New Yorkers will still question my character and I know that I must continue to regain your trust.”

He added: “I would never put any personal benefit above my solemn responsibility as your mayor.”

Several of the mayor’s opponents in the Democratic mayoral primary have claimed that Adams put his own interests ahead of the city’s and had agreed to do Trump’s bidding in return for leniency.

Brad Lander, the city’s comptroller and a mayoral challenger, wrote on X on Monday: “Instead of standing up for New Yorkers, Mayor Adams is standing up for precisely one person—and that’s himself. New Yorkers deserve better.”

Zohran Mamdani, a state assembly member who is also running for mayor, said Adams has “narrowed the focus of city government to a singular goal: keeping himself out of prison.”

Mamdani called for an investigation “into whether Mayor Adams cut any kind of deal with the Trump administration that involves breaking city law.”

Shaun Abreu, a New York City Council member and Democrat who represents Upper Manhattan, wrote on X: “The only thing worse for our city than Trump giving the mayor a get-out-of-jail-free card is the unspoken deal that comes with it. Our mayor shouldn’t be beholden to anyone but the voters. A dismissal without prejudice means Adams isn’t off the hook; he’s just on notice.”

Trump told reporters in December that he would consider pardoning Adams, adding: “I think that he was treated pretty unfairly.”

What’s Next

The U.S. Attorney’s office in Manhattan declined to comment to Newsweek when asked if they intend to follow the Justice Department’s directive on Adams. Any move to drop the indictment would need to be reviewed by a judge.

Even without the criminal case, Adams will face a tough reelection fight. Eight challengers have entered the race to topple him in the June 24 Democratic primary. The mayoral election will take place on November 4.