Trump’s DOJ Tests Independence of Federal Prosecutors in Eric Adams Case
(Based on reporting by Reuters)
The U.S. Justice Department’s order to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams is testing the independence of one of the country’s most powerful federal prosecutor offices. The Southern District of New York (SDNY), known for its fierce independence, has historically resisted political pressure, but this move raises questions about whether it can continue to do so under President Donald Trump’s administration.
The SDNY has a reputation for pursuing high-profile cases, including those involving people close to Trump during his first term. Former U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman, who led the office, has said it faced pressure from Washington to target Trump’s political opponents. Now, the Justice Department’s order to dismiss charges against Adams—a Democrat who has recently sought to align with Trump—has sparked concerns about political interference.
The charges against Adams, filed in September 2024, accused him of accepting bribes from Turkish officials. However, Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, a Trump appointee, ordered the SDNY to drop the case, claiming it could distract Adams from helping Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration. Bove insisted the decision wasn’t about the case’s merits but about political priorities.
Adams, who pleaded not guilty, thanked the Justice Department for its decision, saying he never broke the law. Critics, however, see this as part of Trump’s broader effort to reshape the Justice Department and reduce its independence.
This isn’t the first time the SDNY has faced pressure from Washington. Berman’s memoir revealed that in 2018, the Justice Department asked the office to charge Democrats to “even things out” after prosecuting Trump allies like Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer. The SDNY resisted such pressures in the past, but the current situation puts its new leader, Acting U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon, in a tough spot.
Legal experts say Sassoon now faces “unprecedented pressure” to either comply with the Justice Department’s order or resign in protest. Her decision could set a precedent for how much independence federal prosecutors can maintain under Trump’s administration.
This case highlights the ongoing tension between political influence and the rule of law in the U.S. justice system. As Trump continues to reshape the Justice Department, the SDNY’s response to this order will be a key test of its ability to remain independent.
(This summary is based on original reporting by Reuters.)