Judge adjourns NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ case, Gov. Hochul won’t remove him

• A federal judge vacated the upcoming trial date for New York City Mayor Eric Adams. But, his charges remain since the judge appointed an attorney to present arguments for the move to dismiss.
• The DOJ’s move to end the case against Adams has prompted an exodus of prosecutors who disagreed with the decision.
• New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced she will not oust Adams and leave it up to voters in the upcoming election.

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New York City Mayor Eric Adams isn’t headed to trial — at least for now. A federal judge decided Friday, Feb. 21 to vacate the April trial date after the Department of Justice filed a motion to dismiss the corruption charges against Adams.

Adams’ charges still stand after the judge appointed an attorney to present arguments for the move to dismiss.

The decision comes just days after U.S. acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove asked prosecutors to drop all corruption charges against the mayor saying a potential prosecution would hinder the White House’s efforts to combat immigration problems in New York City. 

The DOJ’s push to end Adams’ case resulted in several resignations after accusations Adams had a quid pro quo with the Trump administration, which he denied.

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Adams was indicted in September and accused of accepting more than $100,000 in illegal campaign contributions from a Turkish official and business leaders.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges. 

Where does Gov. Hochul stand with Mayor Adams?

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who’s been under pressure to oust Adams, said she won’t remove him.

“My strong belief is that the will of the voters and the supremacy and sanctity of Democratic elections preclude me from any other action,” Hochul said in a press conference Thursday, Feb. 20. “I cannot deny the people of this great city to make the decision themselves.”

Hochul said she will instead push to limit Adams’ authority and appoint a deputy inspector to oversee Adams’ office. 

A group of Black lawmakers sent a letter to the governor this week warning of a possible political fallout if she were to remove Adams, pointing out as Black legislators they’ve seen double standards and unfair process.

What is Mayor Adams response to Gov. Hochul?

In a statement Thursday, Adams questioned whether Hochul had the power to implement those restrictions on City Hall.

“While there is no legal basis for limiting New Yorkers’ power by limiting the authority of my office, I have told the governor, as we have done in the past, that I am willing to work with her to ensure faith in our government is strong. I look forward to continuing those conversations.”

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What happens next?

Adams has faced calls to resign, but vowed to stay in office and run for reelection.

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to announce he’s entering the race.

Politico also reported Attorney General Letitia James is encouraging another Adams to run – City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.

James oversaw a 2021 investigation into accusations of sexual harassment made against Cuomo.

Neither James nor Speaker Adams commented on Politico’s report.