New York City Mayor Eric Adams has reacted to the dismissal of the corruption case against him, calling the legal battle unwarranted and reaffirming his innocence.
On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho ruled that while prosecutors cannot be forced to pursue charges, the Justice Department’s rationale for dropping the case was “troubling.” The judge dismissed the case “with prejudice,” ensuring Adams cannot be recharged, even after the mayoral election.
“Everything here smacks of a bargain: dismissal of the indictment in exchange for immigration policy concessions,” Ho wrote, adding that it was “disturbing” for public officials to receive preferential treatment based on policy alignment.
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Federal prosecutors had requested a dismissal “without prejudice,” which would have left open the possibility of refiling charges. However, Ho rejected that, saying it would create “the unavoidable perception” that Adams’ political future depended on his cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
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The case, which accused Adams of bribery and other offenses, was originally brought under President Joe Biden’s administration. It was headed for trial in April until Trump’s Justice Department moved to dismiss it. Adams pleaded not guilty and has maintained his innocence.
Speaking after the ruling, Adams welcomed the decision, reiterating that he had done nothing wrong.
“As I’ve said all along, this case never should have been brought,” he stated.
“I am and always have been beholden to the people of this city—no special interests, no political opponents, just everyday New Yorkers,” Adams added.
When asked about his reelection chances, he confidently responded: “I’m gonna win.”
He concluded by holding up a copy of FBI Director Kash Patel’s 2023 book, Government Gangsters, which claims a “sinister cabal” controls the government, encouraging reporters to read it.
The Justice Department later released a statement calling Adams’ case an “example of political weaponization and a waste of resources.”
The legal battle led to turmoil within City Hall and the Justice Department, with multiple prosecutors resigning in protest over the decision to drop the case. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul briefly considered removing Adams from office but instead proposed stricter oversight of city government.
At a Feb. 19 hearing, Adams had told the court, “I have not committed a crime.”
The 2024 indictment accused Adams of accepting illegal campaign contributions and travel perks from a Turkish official and others, allegedly returning the favor by assisting Turkey in opening a diplomatic building without passing fire inspections.
