A federal judge has permanently dropped the criminal case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, bringing an end to the corruption charges that had been looming over him.
The decision follows a directive from the Trump administration instructing prosecutors to abandon the case, sparking controversy and political backlash.
The case had led to the resignation of Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor, who accused Adams of striking a political deal to have the charges dismissed in exchange for cooperation on immigration enforcement. The judge’s ruling prevents the Department of Justice from reopening the case based on the same evidence.
Adams had faced serious allegations, including conspiracy, fraud, bribery, and soliciting illegal campaign contributions. The charges stemmed from claims that he accepted over $100,000 in gifts from Turkish citizens in return for political favors. He had consistently denied any wrongdoing.
In the ruling, U.S. District Judge Dale Ho stated that keeping the possibility of prosecution open would create concerns about political influence, suggesting it could pressure Adams to align with federal immigration policies rather than prioritizing the interests of New York City residents.
The decision has sparked debate, with critics arguing that the case’s dismissal raises questions about the independence of the justice system. Meanwhile, Adams has maintained that he was unfairly targeted and that the dismissal confirms his innocence.