Danielle Sassoon, the acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, has resigned following an order from the Justice Department (DOJ) to drop a corruption investigation into New York City Mayor Eric Adams. This decision by Sassoon, along with the departure of other DOJ officials, has ignited a controversy over potential political interference in the justice system. The directive to drop the case against Adams came from acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, who argued that the case was interfering with Adams' ability to address "illegal immigration and violent crime" in New York City. However, this justification has been met with skepticism, with many viewing it as a politically motivated decision by the Trump administration to protect a political ally.

Sassoon, a Republican who was appointed as interim U.S. Attorney last month, refused to comply with the order, stating that dropping the case would set a "stunning and perilous precedent". In her resignation letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Sassoon asserted that the evidence against Adams "proves beyond a reasonable doubt that he committed federal crimes". She emphasized her duty to uphold the law without bias and stated that she could not "in good faith" request the dismissal of charges against Adams. Prior to her resignation, Sassoon was reportedly preparing to charge Adams with destroying evidence and instructing others to provide false information to the FBI. Her firm stance against the DOJ's directive underscores her commitment to the integrity of the justice system and her unwillingness to compromise her principles for political expediency.

The case against Adams, a Democrat who became mayor in 2021, includes accusations of conspiracy to receive campaign donations from foreign nationals, wire fraud, and bribery. The indictment, revealed in September, includes multiple counts related to soliciting campaign contributions from foreign entities and accepting a bribe. Specifically, Adams is accused of receiving over $100,000 in gifts from Turkish nationals in exchange for political favors, including overlooking safety regulations at the Turkish consulate. Adams has pleaded not guilty to these charges and denied any wrongdoing. The DOJ's decision to drop the case came despite the evidence presented and the pending trial, which was scheduled for April.

The repercussions of Sassoon's resignation and the DOJ's intervention have been widespread. Bove stated that Sassoon's decision was based on her choice to pursue a politically motivated prosecution, despite instructions to dismiss the case. He also said that she was "incapable of fairly and impartially" reviewing the circumstances. In addition to Sassoon, other officials, including heads of the Justice Department’s public integrity office, have also stepped down. The controversy has raised concerns about the independence of the Justice Department and the potential for political influence in criminal investigations. The decision to drop the case has been criticized as a move to prioritize political aims over criminal culpability, potentially undermining public trust in the justice system.