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Danielle Sassoon, the acting US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, has stepped down after refusing to comply with an order to dismiss criminal charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The Justice Department directed the dismissal, citing concerns over political influence and timing, but Sassoon stood firm, stating her duty was to uphold impartial justice.

Prosecutors charged Adams in 2024 with accepting illegal campaign contributions while President Joe Biden was still in office. However, under the new Trump administration, Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove ordered the charges dropped, arguing that they could unfairly influence jurors and interfere with Adams’ role in addressing illegal immigration—one of the administration’s key priorities.

Sassoon, a Republican, submitted her resignation on February 12 after defying the directive. In a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, she condemned the move, asserting that political considerations should not dictate law enforcement. “Rewarding Adams’ shifting commitments on immigration with dismissal of a valid indictment sets a dangerous precedent,” she wrote.

Following Sassoon’s departure, Matthew Podolsky has been appointed as acting US Attorney for the SDNY. The Justice Department has not publicly commented on the matter, but Bove clarified that insubordination would not be tolerated.

The controversy underscores tensions within the Justice Department over prosecutorial independence in politically sensitive cases. While Adams has denied wrongdoing, the abrupt order to dismiss the case has fueled debate over judicial integrity and political influence in law enforcement.