Slate News What Next | How Eric Adams Got His Charges Dropped
Feb 18, 2025
Jay Willis, Editor-in-Chief of Balls & Strikes, dives into the controversial decision by the Justice Department to drop charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams. The conversation reveals a web of political maneuvering, suggesting potential quid pro quo implications. Willis discusses the mass resignations of federal prosecutors and the ethical dilemmas faced in the Justice Department. He explores how political loyalties and the integrity of legal processes are intertwined, raising questions about accountability and the future of justice in America.
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The Saturday Night Massacre
- The Saturday Night Massacre during Watergate involved DOJ officials resigning rather than firing a special counsel.
- This historical event mirrors the recent resignations of federal prosecutors protesting dropped charges against Mayor Eric Adams.
Adams's Strategy
- Eric Adams's alignment with Trump, despite facing charges, was a strategic move.
- This strategy aimed to exploit Trump's transactional nature and secure a quid pro quo.
Bove's Justification
- Trump's acting deputy attorney general, Emile Bove, ordered charges against Adams dropped without assessing evidence.
- Bove's memo suggests Adams's criticism of Biden's immigration policy and support for Trump's factored into the decision.