Charges Ordered to be Dropped
Against Mayor Eric Adams

DOJ Decision and Memo Details

In a two-page memo from Emil Bove, the Justice Department’s acting No. 2 official, prosecutors were instructed to dismiss the pending charges in United States v. Adams. The memo states that the ongoing criminal probe into Adams had "improperly interfered" with his 2025 reelection campaign and his mayoral responsibilities.

Bove emphasized concerns about the impact of the case on Adams’ ability to address pressing city issues, including illegal immigration and violent crime. The Justice Department also expressed a priority on ensuring Adams’ full cooperation with federal deportation efforts.

Original Charges Against Adams

Federal prosecutors initially charged Adams in September 2024 with multiple offenses, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery, and soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals. The case alleged that Adams accepted luxury perks and illegal contributions from Turkish businessmen and a government official in exchange for political influence.

Among the claims, Adams was accused of expediting the approval of a Manhattan skyscraper housing the Turkish Consulate General in 2021 despite fire safety concerns. In return, he allegedly received first-class flights on Turkish Airlines and other benefits.

Adams Maintains Innocence

Adams has consistently denied any wrongdoing and suggested that the case was politically motivated. He has argued that the charges were a response to his vocal criticism of federal immigration policies.

“Despite our pleas, when the federal government did nothing as its broken immigration policies overloaded our shelter system with no relief, I put the people of New York before party and politics,” Adams stated.

Bove’s memo acknowledged Adams’ position, stating that "it cannot be ignored that Mayor Adams criticized the prior administration’s immigration policies before charges were filed."

What's Next

The Justice Department confirmed that the case will be reviewed by the confirmed U.S. attorney in the Southern District of New York after the November 2025 mayoral election. Until then, no further investigative steps will be taken against Adams.