Danielle Sassoon, the U.S. Attorney for Manhattan, has resigned from her position following a controversial directive from the Biden administration to cease an ongoing investigation into New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Sassoon, who was appointed by President Biden in 2021, tendered her resignation on February 13, 2025, after expressing dissatisfaction with the political interference in her office’s investigations. Reports indicate that she was ordered to abandon inquiries that involved potential campaign finance violations tied to Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign, drawing criticism from various quarters including former prosecutors and political figures. One anonymous former prosecutor stated, ‘This sets a dangerous precedent for politicization of the Justice Department.’ Mayor Adams, who was informed of the decision, has defended his campaign practices and has expressed confidence in his administration’s integrity, stating, ‘We have nothing to hide.’ The abrupt resignation has raised concerns about the balance of power within the Department of Justice and its influence over local investigations. Sassoon’s exit marks a notable event as it highlights the ongoing tensions between federal oversight and local governance in New York, a city that is already experiencing a myriad of political challenges. As the investigation into Adams is set aside, political observers are questioning the implications this might have on corruption in local politics and the broader justice system.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon Resigns Amid Controversy Surrounding Eric Adams Investigation
