Tensions in the DOJ escalated on Friday after 7 prosecutors assigned to Eric Adams public corruption case resigned in protest after Trump’s DAG moved to dismiss the charges against the New York City Mayor.
On Monday, the Trump Justice Department moved to drop federal charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
President Trump’s Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove instructed federal prosecutors in New York to drop the case.
However, a battle between the DOJ leadership and prosecutors began unfolding after the Acting US Attorney for the SDNY resigned.
On Thursday, Acting US Attorney for the SDNY Danielle Sassoon abruptly resigned just a few days after she was ordered to drop charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams.
Emil Bove blasted Danielle Sassoon after she abruptly resigned on Thursday in a blistering 8-page letter.
Bove said the DOJ will not tolerate the misconduct and insubordination.
After Sassoon stepped down, several other federal prosecutors followed her lead and resigned in protest.
On Friday, Emil Bove had it and gave the remaining lawyers an option: drop the Adams case as instructed – or everyone will be fired.
Emil Bove asserted his authority on Friday after he pulled all of the remaining Public Integrity lawyers into one room and gave them one hour to decide who will dismiss Adams’ indictment or else everyone would be fired.
DOJ leadership has put all Public Integrity Section lawyers into a room with 1 hour to decide who will dismiss Adams indictment or else all will be fired. Sending them strength to stand by their oath, which is to support the Constitution, not the president’s political agenda.
— Barb McQuade (@BarbMcQuade) February 14, 2025
Later Friday evening, the DOJ officially moved to drop the charges against Eric Adams.
According to Reuters, one prosecutor finally agreed to drop the charges against Adams.
“The United States respectfully submits this motion seeking dismissal without prejudice of the charges in this case,” the DOJ said in its motion to dismiss Adams’ indictment.
