Danielle Sassoon, a federal prosecutor with the Southern District of New York, has resigned in protest after being ordered by the Trump administration to drop a corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Sassoon, who had served as interim head of the Southern District of New York for just three weeks, declined to comply with the Justice Department’s directive, citing a lack of legal justification for dismissing the case. In a resignation letter to US Attorney General Pam Bondi, she made explosive allegations, claiming that the Mayor's legal team had attempted to orchestrate a quid pro quo with the department.
In her letter, Sassoon argued that Adams’ attorneys had attempted to influence the Justice Department’s decision, and questioned the decision made by Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove. She expressed her confidence that Adams had committed the crimes he was accused of and refused to abandon the case based on what she described as "improper considerations."
The resignation has ignited public debate over political interference in the judicial process, especially since Trump’s administration has been accused of meddling in investigations for political gain.
Sassoon's bold decision to speak out and reveal details of the case raised eyebrows across legal circles. Many of her colleagues, such as Carrie Cohen, a former colleague, praised Sassoon as a diligent and fair prosecutor who upheld the integrity of the law.
Sassoon’s resignation prompted a wave of support from fellow prosecutors, with several other members of the criminal and public integrity unit at the Justice Department resigning in solidarity. Hagan Scotten, another prosecutor, also expressed full agreement with Sassoon’s stance.
Sassoon’s decision to defy the department’s orders has drawn widespread attention, with both praise and criticism. The case has sparked discussions about political influence over legal proceedings and the integrity of the Justice Department under the Trump administration.
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