Judge Drops Corruption Charges Against NYC Mayor Eric Adams

A U.S. federal judge has officially dismissed all corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, ending a case that had stirred controversy within the Justice Department. The ruling follows intervention from the Trump administration, which argued that prosecuting Adams could interfere with his ability to support federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Judge Dale Ho, in a detailed 78-page decision, approved the Justice Department’s motion to drop the case, which accused Adams of wire fraud, accepting illegal foreign campaign contributions, and involvement in a bribery scheme linked to Turkish officials. The dismissal was issued “with prejudice,” ensuring that the charges cannot be reinstated in the future. The ruling also eliminates the possibility of Adams being re-indicted after the next mayoral election, preventing the case from being used as political leverage.

The Justice Department’s handling of the case led to internal conflict, with several senior prosecutors resigning in protest over the administration’s decision to halt the prosecution. While critics warn that dismissing the case on political grounds sets a troubling precedent, supporters argue that it allows Adams to focus on leading the city without legal distractions.

Throughout the case, Adams has maintained his innocence, stating that the allegations were unfounded. After the dismissal, he reiterated his commitment to his role as mayor, calling the case “an old issue” that had now been resolved. “I have no doubt that I’m innocent,” he stated. “Now, we’ll see what the judge decides.” With the legal proceedings behind him, Adams now turns his attention back to governance and rebuilding public confidence.