A federal judge has dismissed New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ corruption case, criticizing the Justice Department’s reasoning for dropping the charges—that is, Adams’ potential support for President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
Judge Dale E. Ho ruled Wednesday that while courts cannot force prosecutors to proceed with a case, he found the government’s rationale “troubling.” In his ruling, he dismissed the case “with prejudice,” ensuring Adams cannot be recharged later, 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 special treatment based on policy alignment.
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The Justice Department had sought a dismissal “without prejudice,” allowing for the possibility of refiling charges, but Ho rejected that request, stating it would create “the unavoidable perception” that Adams’ political fate was tied to 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 but was set for trial in April before Trump’s Justice Department moved to dismiss it. Adams pleaded not guilty and has denied any wrongdoing.
Adams, according to an AP report, declined to comment on the case’s dismissal, but his attorney, Alex Spiro, welcomed the ruling: “The case against Eric Adams should have never been brought in the first place—and finally today that case is gone forever.”
The Justice Department called the prosecution “a political weaponization and a waste of resources.”
The case’s dismissal comes just months before the Democratic primary for New York City’s mayoral race, in which Adams faces several challengers, including former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Some opponents argue Adams is now too politically indebted to Trump.
