A Justice Department directive to dismiss a corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams has led to high-profile resignations within the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office and DOJ headquarters.
The move has intensified concerns over political influence in federal prosecutions.
Manhattan’s Interim U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon resigned Thursday, February 13, 2025, after refusing to comply with Attorney General Pam Bondi’s order to drop the case against Adams.
In an eight-page letter, Sassoon defended her office’s actions, stating there was “no good-faith reason” to dismiss the case.
Sassoon’s resignation set off a chain reaction. John Keller, acting chief of the DOJ’s public integrity section, and Kevin Driscoll, deputy assistant attorney general, also stepped down after being asked to take over the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hagan Scotten, placed on administrative leave, submitted a scathing resignation letter, accusing the DOJ of using prosecutorial power to influence an elected official.
“If no lawyer within earshot of the President is willing to give him that advice, then I expect you will eventually find someone who is enough of a fool, or enough of a coward, to file your motion,” Scotten wrote.
Political Pressure and “Quid Pro Quo” Concerns
The DOJ’s directive came from Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, who argued the case was politically motivated and hindered Adams’ cooperation with President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Sassoon’s letter raised concerns of an improper “quid pro quo” between Adams and the Trump administration.
Bove accused Sassoon of insubordination, stating in a letter that the Southern District of New York (SDNY) was not exempt from DOJ leadership’s directives.
He further criticized Sassoon for suggesting a presidential pardon for Adams, calling it an attempt to evade her prosecutorial duty.
Justice Department in Turmoil
The fallout underscores internal turmoil within the DOJ as Trump’s leadership reshapes priorities. The SDNY, long known for its independence, clashed with DOJ officials over whether the Adams case should proceed.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky has been placed in charge on an acting basis until the Senate confirms former SEC Chair Jay Clayton as the new U.S. Attorney for Manhattan. Meanwhile, it remains unclear who will replace the DOJ officials who resigned in Washington.
Legal and Political Implications
Adams, charged with accepting illegal campaign donations and luxury travel in exchange for political favors to Turkey, has pleaded not guilty. He has claimed the case was politically motivated, given his criticism of President Joe Biden’s immigration policies and his recent outreach to Trump.
The resignations have sparked legal debate over the Justice Department’s independence and whether the courts will approve the case’s dismissal. U.S. District Judge Dale Ho, who is presiding over the case, could insist on a rigorous inquiry, potentially harming the DOJ’s credibility.
