In a dramatic turn of events, at least seven Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors have resigned following a directive from top official Emil Bove to dismiss New York City Mayor Eric Adams' corruption case. The case, which was being handled in Manhattan federal court, has sparked controversy and a wave of resignations in protest of Bove's decision. President Donald Trump has distanced himself from the turmoil, dismissing the resignations as remnants of the previous administration.
Danielle Sassoon, the acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, submitted her resignation to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. In her letter, Sassoon objected to Bove's order and alleged that Adams' lawyers had proposed what amounted to a quid pro quo during a meeting with Bove and her office. Adams, however, firmly denied these allegations.
"I never offered… any trade of my authority as your mayor for an end to my case." – New York City Mayor Eric Adams
The fallout continued as Emil Bove accepted Sassoon's resignation and transferred the Adams case to the main DOJ. In anticipation of further developments, Attorney General Bondi expects the case to be dismissed by Friday. Five additional senior DOJ officials in Washington, D.C., also resigned on Thursday, voicing their dissent over Bove's order.
Prosecutor Hagan Scotten issued a strong letter of resignation, criticizing Bove's decision. He remarked,
"I expect you will eventually find someone who is enough of a fool, or enough of a coward, to file your motion" – Hagan Scotten
This resignation adds to the growing discord between DOJ officials and the Trump administration over immigration enforcement in New York City. Allegedly, Adams' legal team suggested that his cooperation with Trump's immigration agenda would only be possible if his indictment were dismissed—an assertion Adams denies.
"I want to be crystal clear with New Yorkers: I never offered — nor did anyone offer on my behalf — any trade of my authority as your mayor for an end to my case. Never" – New York City Mayor Eric Adams
Adams emphasized his commitment to the citizens of New York.
"I am solely beholden to the 8.3 million New Yorkers that I represent and I will always put this city first" – New York City Mayor Eric Adams
The controversy has resulted in a public dispute between the Trump administration and resigning DOJ officials. President Trump downplayed the resignations, attributing them to personnel from the previous administration.
"These are mostly people from the previous administration," – President Donald Trump
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