“If Trump successfully convinces the DOJ to seek the dismissal of Adams’ case, it would completely undermine the independence of the Manhattan office,” Sale warned, pointing out that this could drastically shift the landscape of criminal prosecution, where influence and connections might dictate outcomes.
The Risks: Would the Justice System Be Undermined?
If Trump and his DOJ team succeed, it would likely put DOJ independence in jeopardy, creating a precedent where well-connected individuals might fare better in the criminal justice system. This could mark a return to influence peddling in prosecutorial decisions—a dangerous shift from the principle of equal justice under the law.
However, U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho, overseeing Adams’ case, would need to approve any motion to dismiss from the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office, which is far from guaranteed. Legal experts note that while judges generally defer to the executive branch, there are instances where they have refused such requests, as seen in the case of Michael Flynn, Trump’s former national security adviser.
A Dual Legal Battle: Trump vs. Adams?
While Trump’s DOJ may be trying to assist Adams, the former president is also locked in his own legal battle with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Bragg’s office secured a conviction against Trump in May 2024, and Trump is now seeking to overturn the charges related to falsifying business records. Should Trump push for Adams’ case to be dismissed, Bragg’s office could still intervene, potentially pursuing state charges against the mayor, similar to what happened with Steve Bannon following his pardon.
