US prosecutors have formally requested that a judge drop bribery charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, citing concerns about his ability to govern due to the case’s potential impact on his re-election campaign. The request was made after an order from President Donald Trump’s Justice Department prompted mass resignations.
Adams, a Democrat, was charged with accepting travel perks and political donations in exchange for taking actions benefiting Turkey. He had pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors say continuing the case would “interfere with the defendant’s ability to govern,” posing risks to public safety, national security, and federal immigration initiatives.
The request was made by Antoinette Bacon, a supervisory official in the Justice Department’s criminal division, and Edward Sullivan, senior litigation counsel in the public integrity section. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove authorized the request, stating it had nothing to do with the case’s merits but rather concerns about Adams’ re-election campaign.
This development comes as part of Trump’s efforts to overhaul the Justice Department and FBI, which critics say threatens the norm of insulating federal law enforcement from partisan politics.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-prosecutors-formally-ask-judge-drop-eric-adams-case-2025-02-14