What is going on at the DOJ? Just dropping charges because Trump’s DOJ says so? A significant shake-up occurred in the legal world after seven prosecutors resigned in protest over a Department of Justice order to dismiss charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. According to reports from CNN, one key figure, Hagen Scotten, was placed on administrative leave on February 13 for refusing to comply with the directive to drop the charges.
In an expectedly scathing letter addressed to Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, Scotten denounced the Justice Department’s move, labeling it “dismissal-with-leverage.” He argued that such actions violated legal norms, asserting, “Any assistant U.S. attorney would know that our laws and traditions do not allow using the prosecutorial power to influence other citizens, much less elected officials, in this way.”
Scotten made it clear that he would not be a part of what he called a manipulation of the justice system: “If no lawyer within earshot of the President is willing to give him that advice, then I expect you will eventually find someone who is enough of a fool, or enough of a coward, to file your motion. But it was never going to be me.”
Scotten and others’ resignations were sparked by concerns over the Justice Department’s reasoning for dropping the case. They claimed the move was politically motivated, citing that Adams could devote his “full attention and resources” to addressing illegal immigration and preparing for his 2025 reelection campaign.
In September, Adams was indicted on corruption and fraud charges, becoming the first sitting mayor in modern New York City history to face such accusations. Damian Williams, who had been appointed by former President Joe Biden as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, brought forward the case. Williams himself resigned in November following the election of former President Donald Trump.
The controversy over these resignations has only added to the growing tensions surrounding the charges against Adams.