By New York Post (Politics) | Created at 2025-04-02 17:11:26 | Updated at 2025-04-03 15:02:31
22 hours ago
Freshly unburdened Mayor Eric Adams vowed Wednesday that he’ll win re-election after a federal judge killed his corruption case for good.
Adams, in a five-minute address outside Gracie Mansion, told New Yorkers that the dismissal marks the end of a difficult chapter for himself and the city.
“I also want to apologize to New Yorkers for having to go through this with me — a baseless case that should have never been brought in the first place, “ he said. “The lies — spread through false leaks and splashed across sensational headlines — and all of the distractions.
“But what I want you to know that I never stopped working for you. Not for one day.”
Hizzoner closed the address by holding up a book – “Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy” – by President Trump’s FBI Director Kash Patel that he said helped him through the monthslong ordeal.
The address followed Manhattan federal Judge Dale Ho’s long-awaited decision on whether to accept the controversial dismissal sought by Trump’s Justice Department.
Ho dismissed the case with prejudice – meaning it can’t be brought again.
His opinion went further than DOJ officials’ request to dismiss without prejudice, which he wrote reeked of the Trump administration trying to hold future prosecution over Adams’ head.
“Everything here smacks of a bargain: dismissal of the Indictment in exchange for immigration policy concessions,” Ho wrote.
The judge also made clear the dismissal had nothing to do with the accusations against Adams, who prosecutors said reaped lucrative travel perks from Turkish nationals in exchange for political favors.
“Neither the dismissal of the Indictment, nor the length of this Opinion, should be understood as any kind of statement about the merits of the allegations against the Mayor in the Indictment,” Ho wrote.
The decision frees Adams to hit the mayoral campaign trail unencumbered by the historic corruption case, which has helped sink both his approval rating and re-election chances to dismal lows.
The usually prolific campaigner has been notably absent from events such as candidate forums – including one he canceled last-minute on advice of his lawyers – as his opponents attacked him again and again.
Adams has until the stroke of midnight Thursday to file at least 3,750 signatures to get on the Democratic mayoral primary ballot.
As he left the lectern, Adams only responded to a question about whether he’ll still run for re-election.
“You know what, I’m going to win,” he said.
