The chief federal prosecutor in Manhattan has stepped down after defying an order to abandon a graft case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Danielle Sassoon, a conservative attorney recently elevated by former President Donald Trump, argued that dropping the case would create a “staggering and perilous precedent.”
Her departure—along with two other senior Justice Department officials—marks the latest indication of unease over the Trump administration’s sweeping alterations to federal law enforcement.
Adams is accused of accepting gifts worth over $100,000 (£75,000) from Turkish individuals in return for political favors. He denies the allegations.
The case, initiated in September 2024 under President Joe Biden’s appointees, was abruptly ordered dismissed on Monday by Trump’s acting deputy attorney general, Emil Bove, who claimed it hindered the mayor’s capacity to tackle “illegal immigration and violent crime.”
Bove did not discuss the validity of the charges but stated that the Justice Department retained the option to revive them following New York City’s mayoral election in November.
Sassoon rejected the directive, outlining her objections in a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, asserting that she found no “legitimate” grounds for dismissal.
She argued, “Since legal principles do not justify the case’s withdrawal, and as I am convinced of Adams’ culpability, I cannot support a politically motivated dismissal.”
Sassoon also alleged that Adams improperly proposed immigration enforcement aid in exchange for having the case dropped.
Bove, in accepting her resignation, accused her of persisting with a prosecution driven by political bias despite explicit instructions to the contrary. He also placed other prosecutors involved in the case on leave and subjected them to internal review—including Sassoon herself.
Two additional Justice Department officials, John Keller and Kevin Driscoll, also resigned on Thursday, underscoring turmoil within the agency.
Mayor Adams, a Democrat, has expressed a willingness to collaborate with the Trump administration on its strict immigration policies. Following a meeting with Trump’s “border czar” Tom Homan, he approved the re-establishment of an immigration enforcement office at the Rikers Island jail.
In a statement, Adams said, “I seek cooperation with the new federal administration, not confrontation, to enhance the well-being of New Yorkers.”
He previously met with Trump in Florida before his inauguration and attended the swearing-in ceremony on January 20. Adams insists he did not discuss his legal troubles with the incoming president.
Trump, when questioned on Thursday, stated he had not instructed the case’s dismissal. However, Bove’s letter framed the decision as a “direct order reflecting the policies of a duly elected President.”
Adams was indicted last fall on charges including wire fraud, bribery, and unlawfully receiving foreign campaign contributions.
A 57-page indictment alleges that Adams, beginning in 2016 as Brooklyn Borough President, received extravagant gifts, including luxury accommodations, lavish dining experiences, and premium flight upgrades from Turkish nationals.
In one example, Adams purportedly paid $600 for a two-night stay at an upscale hotel in Istanbul, a trip valued at approximately $7,000.
