Two senior House Democrats are launching an investigation into the Justice Department’s decision to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a move that has raised eyebrows amid his contentious reelection campaign.
Reps. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), ranking members of the House Judiciary Committee and its oversight subcommittee, respectively, sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi expressing concerns about potential misconduct in the DOJ’s handling of the case. The letter, first obtained by POLITICO, alleges that the Trump administration pressured federal prosecutors to drop the charges against Adams in exchange for his cooperation with federal immigration enforcement policies.
“Troubling reports have emerged about the Trump administration’s demand to dismiss serious public corruption charges against Mayor Adams as part of an apparent quid pro quo to secure his support for mass arrest and deportation policies,” the lawmakers wrote.
Adams, who faces a tough Democratic primary in June, was charged in September with accepting illegal campaign contributions and gifts from Turkish officials—allegations he has repeatedly denied. However, the Trump administration recently moved to drop the case, citing Adams’ cooperation with federal immigration efforts and his reelection campaign as reasons.
Shortly after the DOJ’s decision, Adams reversed New York City’s policy by allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) access to the Rikers Island jail facility, a move seen as aligning with the Trump administration’s immigration agenda.
Raskin and Crockett criticized the DOJ’s actions, accusing the Trump administration of prioritizing loyalty over justice. “This is yet another example of the Trump DOJ allowing criminals to go free—whether they assaulted police officers, sold drugs, or are corrupt politicians—as long as they pledge loyalty to President Trump,” they wrote.
The charges against Adams have not yet been formally dismissed. A federal judge has asked former U.S. solicitor general Paul Clement to provide arguments on the case.
In their letter, the House Democrats requested all records from a January 31 meeting between Adams’ team and the DOJ, as well as early communications between the Trump White House and DOJ officials regarding the investigation.
Adams has denied any wrongdoing and rejected claims that he is indebted to the Trump administration. “Mayor Adams has been clear that his loyalty is solely to the 8.3 million New Yorkers he represents,” a spokesperson said in a statement. The spokesperson highlighted Adams’ achievements, including job creation, housing initiatives, and public safety improvements, and vowed that he would “continue delivering for New Yorkers every day.”
The DOJ did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
As members of the minority party, Raskin and Crockett lack the authority to issue subpoenas or compel testimony, limiting the scope of their investigation. However, their inquiry comes at a critical time: Adams is set to testify before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Wednesday, alongside mayors from other major Democratic cities, to defend their immigration policies. These cities, including New York, are considered “sanctuary cities” that resist federal immigration enforcement efforts, such as mass deportations.
The investigation underscores the growing tension between Adams and his Democratic colleagues as he navigates both legal challenges and a contentious reelection campaign.
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