A federal judge in Manhattan is seeking additional time and legal insight before ruling on the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) request to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The judge, Dale Ho, highlighted in a recent five-page order that the court has not yet received “adversarial” arguments due to the agreement between the DOJ and Adams’ legal team to suspend the charges.
Judge Ho has appointed Paul Clement, a conservative attorney, to present counter-arguments regarding the DOJ’s decision. In his statement, Ho emphasized the importance of adversarial testing in aiding court decision-making, particularly in cases with unusual facts or significant public interest.
The DOJ’s approach to the Adams case is being observed as an early indicator of how the Trump administration may utilize its power to influence political objectives. During a recent court hearing, DOJ acting Assistant Attorney General Emil Bove explained the suspension of the case partly aims to enable Mayor Adams to support the Trump administration in a key policy initiative: identifying and detaining undocumented migrants in the U.S.
Despite Bove pushing for a prompt decision on the dismissal, Judge Ho expressed concerns about the DOJ retaining the ability to re-indict Adams, which could give the Trump administration leverage over the mayor’s decisions. Bove denied any “quid pro quo” arrangement but suggested that such an approach would be permissible if it supported President Trump’s agenda.
The handling of the case by the DOJ has already led to the resignation of at least seven DOJ attorneys. Additionally, three former federal prosecutors have submitted a legal brief to Judge Ho, criticizing the intertwining of politics and prosecutorial decisions as setting a “dangerous” precedent.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has also voiced her concerns about the DOJ’s dealings with Adams, fearing potential coercion by President Trump on New York officials to align with his policies. However, Gov. Hochul has not exercised her authority to remove Adams from his position.
Judge Ho’s order, which extends the review of the case, underlines the need for careful consideration due to the case’s public significance. Further legal documents and a possible hearing are expected to be completed by mid-March.