Danielle Sassoon opposed DOJ's manipulation in Adams case

Former Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon is praised for her integrity in the ongoing Eric Adams criminal case. Recently unsealed draft materials reveal how she resisted a plan by Trump-appointed officials at the Department of Justice. Sassoon and other prosecutors resigned rather than partake in what they viewed as a corrupt scheme. This plan was led by Emil Bove, Trump’s former personal attorney, and supported by Attorney General Pam Bondi. They aimed to use Adams as a political tool by temporarily suspending his prosecution in exchange for his support of Trump’s immigration policies. Sassoon argued against this temporary dismissal, believing a judge would view it skeptically. Her concerns were ignored. Manhattan Federal Judge Dale Ho echoed her skepticism, and an independent lawyer appointed by him, Paul Clement, also rejected the idea of a temporary suspension. He insisted that the prosecution should either move forward or end permanently. Sassoon stressed the case against Adams was strong, noting that political factors should not influence prosecution decisions. Despite her efforts, Bove and Bondi continued their approach, prompting Sassoon and her colleagues to leave. A motion by the press led to the unsealing of communications that exposed Bove's tactics. It showed there was no conspiracy among the prosecutors against Adams. Instead, critics argue that Bove and Bondi’s actions pose a real threat to the rule of law. Sassoon's departure leaves them in charge of the Department of Justice.