Top prosecutor resigns over order to drop NYC mayor Eric Adams case

Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor, Danielle Sassoon, has resigned after refusing to comply with an order to drop a corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Sassoon, a conservative lawyer promoted by former President Donald Trump, stated that dismissing the case would set a “breathtaking and dangerous precedent.” Her departure follows that of at least two other senior Justice Department officials, highlighting growing unrest over changes implemented by the Trump administration in federal law enforcement.

Adams was indicted in September on charges of wire fraud, bribery, and accepting campaign contributions from foreign nationals. Prosecutors allege he received over $100,000 in gifts, including luxury hotel stays and expensive meals from Turkish citizens, in exchange for political favors. Adams has denied all charges.

The case was initially brought by officials appointed under former President Joe Biden. However, on Monday, acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, a Trump appointee, directed Manhattan prosecutors to dismiss the charges. Bove argued that the case hindered Adams’ ability to address illegal immigration and violent crime—key priorities for the Trump administration. While he did not dispute the merits of the case, Bove stated that the Justice Department reserved the right to reinstate charges after New York City’s mayoral election in November.

Sassoon refused to comply, writing to Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday, stating that there was no “good faith” reason for dropping the case. She argued that the evidence supported the prosecution and accused Adams’ lawyers of offering a quid pro quo during a January 31 meeting, suggesting the mayor would cooperate with the administration’s policies only if the charges were dismissed. Adams’ attorney, Alex Spiro, denied any such arrangement, calling the claim “a total lie.”

In response to Sassoon’s resignation, Bove accused her of pursuing a politically motivated prosecution against the Trump administration’s directive. He announced that other prosecutors involved in the case would be placed on leave and subjected to an internal investigation, including Sassoon.

The fallout continued as two more Justice Department prosecutors John Keller, head of the public corruption unit, and Kevin Driscoll, a senior official resigned on Thursday. Later reports indicated three additional prosecutors in the department’s corruption unit had also stepped down.

Sassoon, 38, joined the Manhattan federal prosecutor’s office in 2016 and was part of the team that prosecuted FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried. Her resignation underscores tensions between career prosecutors and Trump administration officials over law enforcement decisions.

Meanwhile, Adams has signaled a willingness to cooperate with the Trump administration on immigration policy. On Thursday, after meeting with Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, he agreed to allow immigration officials to reopen an office at Rikers Island jail. Adams has maintained that he wants to work with the federal government rather than oppose it.

Trump denied involvement in the case’s dismissal, stating he had not ordered prosecutors to drop charges against Adams. However, Bove’s letter described the directive as part of “the policy of a duly elected President.”

Adams’ indictment details allegations that he accepted luxury perks from Turkish nationals dating back to 2016, when he was Brooklyn Borough President. Prosecutors claim he paid only $600 for a hotel stay in Istanbul worth approximately $7,000. He has pleaded not guilty and denies any wrongdoing.