Justice Department Turmoil; Resignations Over Dropped Charges Against NYC Mayor
Danielle Sassoon, the interim U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, resigned on Thursday after refusing to comply with a Justice Department order to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Sassoon, a Republican appointed by the Trump administration, cited ethical concerns and a commitment to impartial justice in her decision to step down.
The order to dismiss the case came from Emil Bove, a senior Justice Department official and former Trump defense lawyer, who argued that the charges were interfering with Adams’ ability to assist in Trump’s immigration crackdown. Sassoon, in a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, accused Bove of engaging in an unethical “quid pro quo” and criticized the decision as a “breathtaking and dangerous precedent.” She also revealed that her office had sought to add obstruction conspiracy charges against Adams for allegedly destroying evidence and instructing others to lie to the FBI, but the request was denied.
Sassoon’s resignation was part of a broader wave of departures within the Justice Department, with at least six senior officials stepping down in protest over the order. Critics have raised concerns that the move represents a politicization of the justice system, undermining the independence of federal prosecutors. The Southern District of New York, known for its tradition of autonomy, has historically pursued high-profile cases involving political corruption and Wall Street misconduct.
Adams, a Democrat, has denied the allegations and accused the Biden administration of targeting him for his criticism of federal immigration policies. His attorney, Alex Spiro, dismissed Sassoon’s claims as baseless, stating that no evidence of obstruction had been presented. The case, which centers on allegations of bribery and illegal campaign contributions, remains unresolved as the Justice Department moves to dismiss it.
The resignations have drawn comparisons to the “Saturday Night Massacre” during the Watergate scandal, highlighting the growing tensions between career prosecutors and the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape the Justice Department. Legal experts warn that the episode could have lasting implications for the integrity of federal law enforcement.
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