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Trait 5
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Feb 14, 2025 Justice Department requested dismissal of corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams after seven prosecutors resigned in protest Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The dismissal, sought for reasons unrelated to the strength of evidence, raised concerns about political interference in prosecutorial decisions.
Supporting reports
- Prosecutors request dismissal of Eric Adams charges — Under pressure from the Justice Department leadership, prosecutors in Washington filed a request to dismiss the criminal corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams. The charges included bribery, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign contributions. This decision followed the resignation of seven prosecutors, including the acting US attorney for the Southern District of New York, who opposed the dismissal for political reasons. The Justice Department argued that the case impeded Adams' cooperation with immigration enforcement, despite not being based on the strength of the evidence.
- Six prosecutors resign in protest over order to dismiss charges against Eric Adams — On February 13, 2025, six prosecutors resigned in protest after Emil Bove III, the acting deputy attorney general, ordered them to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The prosecutors had previously indicted Adams on multiple counts, including bribery and campaign finance offenses, and expressed concerns that the dismissal was politically motivated.
- Six prosecutors resign over order to dismiss charges against Eric Adams — Six prosecutors resigned in protest after Emil Bove III, the acting deputy attorney general, ordered them to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The prosecutors argued that the dismissal was politically motivated and undermined the rule of law, as Adams had been indicted on serious charges including bribery and campaign finance offenses.
Feb 12, 2025 Sangamon County settled with the family of Sonya Massey, a Black woman killed by a sheriff's deputy, for $10 million and agreed to policing reforms with DOJ Tier 1 · Primary Civil Rights and Dissent
The settlement and reform agreement addressed police violence and systemic racism following a high-profile killing.
Supporting reports
- Sangamon County settles with Massey family for $10m — Sangamon County, Illinois, reached a $10 million settlement with the family of Sonya Massey, a Black woman killed by a sheriff's deputy in her home. The settlement aims to avoid a lawsuit over the shooting by former deputy Sean Grayson, who is charged with first-degree murder. The county also agreed with the Justice Department to improve training in de-escalation and non-discriminatory policing. The incident highlighted issues of police brutality and systemic racism, prompting the formation of a citizen's commission to address these concerns.
Feb 12, 2025 Danielle Sassoon and Hagan Scotten resigned as federal prosecutors after refusing DOJ leadership's demand to drop corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
Career prosecutors' resignations exposed political pressure to protect an ally from prosecution regardless of evidence.
Supporting reports
- Interim US Attorney resigns over corruption case — Danielle Sassoon, the interim US Attorney handling the NYC Mayor Eric Adams' public corruption case, resigned after refusing to drop charges despite pressure from DOJ Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove. Sassoon's resignation follows a letter to AG Pam Bondi detailing alleged unethical proposals from Adams' attorneys. Other senior US Attorneys also resigned in protest, highlighting concerns over political interference.
- US Attorney resigns over refusal to drop charges — Danielle Sassoon, the interim US Attorney in charge of the NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ public corruption case, resigned after refusing to drop the charges despite demands from DOJ Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove. Sassoon wrote a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, outlining an alleged quid pro quo proposal from Adams' attorneys. Following Sassoon's resignation, senior US Attorneys in New York also refused to dismiss the case and resigned in protest. Bove, who previously served as Trump's criminal defense attorney, is involved in the case.
- DOJ pressures Public Integrity Section lawyers — DOJ leadership reportedly pressured Public Integrity Section lawyers to decide within an hour who would dismiss the indictment against NYC Mayor Eric Adams, threatening to fire all if none complied. This move has sparked resignations and widespread dismay within the legal community, reminiscent of the 1973 Saturday Night Massacre.
- Memo issued to dismiss Adams case for political reasons — A memo was issued stating that the criminal case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams was dismissed for political reasons, citing that the case restricted his ability to assist in deportation efforts. The memo admitted the decision was not based on evidence or law, raising ethical concerns about the DOJ's actions.
- Prosecutor Hagan Scotten resigns over DOJ pressure — Prosecutor Hagan Scotten resigned after refusing to dismiss a corruption case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams. Scotten's resignation letter criticized the use of prosecutorial power to influence elected officials, stating that he would not comply with such directives. His resignation follows that of co-counsel Danielle Sassoon, highlighting internal DOJ tensions over the case.
Feb 12, 2025 Kash Patel was accused by Senator Dick Durbin of orchestrating a purge of FBI agents while a private citizen, potentially contradicting his confirmation testimony Corroborated Institutions and Governance
The allegation raised concerns of unlawful influence over federal law enforcement and possible perjury by an FBI nominee.
Supporting reports
- Kash Patel accused of orchestrating FBI purge — Kash Patel, nominated by Donald Trump to lead the FBI, has been accused by Democratic Senator Dick Durbin of orchestrating a purge of FBI agents. Durbin claims Patel, as a private citizen, directed the firing of senior FBI personnel through the White House deputy chief of staff and the acting attorney general. These actions allegedly contradict Patel's testimony at his Senate confirmation hearing. Durbin has called for an investigation into the matter, suggesting that Patel may have committed perjury.
Feb 11, 2025 Prosecutors dismissed approximately 60% of charges filed against Gaza protesters across a dozen major U.S. cities Corroborated Institutions and Governance
Widespread dismissal of protest-related charges suggested many arrests lacked legal grounds, raising concerns about mass arrest as a deterrent tactic.
Supporting reports
- Most charges against Gaza protesters dismissed — A significant number of charges against protesters involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the US have been dismissed. Data from a dozen major cities shows that about 60% of the 2,800 charges, summons, and citations against Gaza protesters were dropped or not filed. Legal advocates argue that mass arrests and charges are tactics used to silence protesters and deter future participation, despite many cases not holding up in court. The dismissals highlight concerns about the use of policing to suppress dissent and the potential chilling effect on free speech.
Feb 10, 2025 Trump signed executive orders pausing enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act for 180 days Tier 1 · Primary Economic Structure
Suspending enforcement of an anti-bribery law weakened accountability for corporate corruption abroad, benefiting business interests over rule of law.
Supporting reports
- Trump signs executive order pausing FCPA enforcement — President Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Justice to pause enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), which prohibits American companies from bribing foreign officials to obtain or retain business. This move could undermine efforts to prevent public corruption and maintain the rule of law in international business practices.
- Executive Order Pauses FCPA Enforcement — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14209, pausing enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) for 180 days to review guidelines and policies. The order aims to enhance American economic competitiveness and national security by reducing barriers to commerce abroad. The Attorney General is tasked with reviewing and potentially revising FCPA enforcement actions and guidelines during this period.
- Trump halts enforcement of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act — President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Justice to halt prosecutions under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), which bans bribery of foreign officials. The order requires the Attorney General to pause these prosecutions until new enforcement guidance is issued, aimed at promoting American competitiveness. This move has been criticized by anti-corruption groups, who argue it undermines the US's leadership in fighting global corruption. The FCPA has been instrumental in significant corporate cases, including actions against Goldman Sachs.
- Trump Pauses FCPA Enforcement — President Donald Trump issued an executive order pausing enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) for 180 days. The order directs the Attorney General to cease new FCPA investigations and review existing ones, with the possibility of extending the review period for another 180 days. The order aims to enhance American economic competitiveness and national security by reducing perceived overreach in FCPA enforcement, which Trump argues impedes U.S. foreign policy objectives.
- White House issued executive order pausing Foreign Corrupt Practices Act enforcement — The White House issued an executive order on February 10, 2025, directing the Attorney General to cease initiating new FCPA investigations and enforcement actions for 180 days while reviewing enforcement guidelines. The order states that FCPA enforcement "harms the interests of the United States" and "impedes" foreign policy objectives. The Attorney General is instructed to review existing investigations and issue revised guidelines prioritizing "American economic competitiveness" and "Presidential foreign policy prerogatives." The order characterizes current FCPA enforcement as "overexpansive" and claims it wastes prosecutorial resources.
- White House issues fact sheet on FCPA enforcement pause — The White House issued a fact sheet on February 10, 2025, announcing that President Trump signed an executive order directing the Attorney General to pause Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) enforcement actions and issue revised enforcement guidance. The fact sheet states that past and existing FCPA actions will be reviewed, and future investigations and enforcement must be approved by the Attorney General. The document frames the pause as necessary to restore American competitiveness and national security.
- Trump signs executive order pausing Foreign Corrupt Practices Act — President Trump signed an executive order pausing the enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits bribery of foreign officials. This suspension could lead to increased corruption in international business dealings.
- Trump signed executive order pausing prosecutions under Foreign Corrupt Practices Act — On February 10, 2025, Trump signed an executive order directing the DOJ to halt prosecutions of Americans accused of bribing foreign government officials. Attorney General Pam Bondi was instructed to pause prosecutions under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 until she issues revised enforcement guidance promoting American competitiveness. Trump stated the action would "mean a lot more business for America." The White House claimed the law disadvantages US firms compared to foreign competitors.
Feb 8, 2025 ICE arrested a Nicaraguan asylum seeker with legal work authorization at a routine check-in despite compliance with reporting requirements Corroborated Civil Rights and Dissent
The arrest of a compliant asylum seeker exemplified enforcement of a policy subjecting all undocumented immigrants to detention regardless of history, undermining due process.
Supporting reports
- ICE arrests asylum seeker despite regular check-ins and work authorization — Alberto Lovo Rojas, a Nicaraguan asylum seeker with legal work authorization, was arrested by ICE on February 8, 2025, while waiting for a haircut in Spokane, Washington, despite having checked in with the agency as required just three days earlier. Rojas had fled Nicaragua in 2018 after participating in anti-government protests and had been living in the US with his wife and children, working as a mechanic. His arrest occurred after the Trump administration rolled back Biden-era enforcement priorities, making all undocumented immigrants subject to arrest regardless of criminal history or compliance with reporting requirements. He now faces deportation to Nicaragua, where he fears persecution.
Feb 8, 2025 Pam Bondi reinstated the federal death penalty, ending a Biden-era moratorium, and called for new state charges against individuals with commuted sentences Corroborated Institutions and Governance
The reversal marked a significant shift in federal criminal-justice policy with implications for due process and clemency decisions.
Supporting reports
- Bondi reinstates federal death penalty — Attorney General Pam Bondi reinstated the federal death penalty, ending a moratorium from the Biden administration. She called for its use in cases involving the murder of police and urged new state charges for individuals with commuted sentences.
Feb 8, 2025 FBI employees filed a class-action lawsuit to block release of names of employees involved in Jan. 6 investigations Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
Employees sought judicial protection against potential retaliation for participation in politically sensitive investigations.
Supporting reports
- FBI class action lawsuit filed — FBI employees filed a class action lawsuit against acting Attorney General James McHenry, seeking to block the release of names of workers involved in Jan. 6 investigations. This legal action aims to protect employee privacy and prevent potential retaliation.
Feb 8, 2025 FBI officials provided the DOJ with identifying details of over 5,000 employees involved in Jan. 6 investigations Corroborated Institutions and Governance
The disclosure of sensitive employee information raised concerns about potential retaliation against career law-enforcement staff.
Supporting reports
- FBI provides Jan. 6 investigation details — FBI officials provided the DOJ with details of over 5,000 employees involved in Jan. 6 investigations, including ID numbers and roles. This action raises concerns about the potential misuse of sensitive employee information.
Feb 8, 2025 Jake Struebing warned that his removal and other DOJ firings tied to Jan. 6 investigations constituted a threat to national security Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
A former prosecutor's public warning highlighted concerns about political interference undermining law-enforcement independence.
Supporting reports
- Struebing warns of national security threat — Jake Struebing, a former assistant US attorney, stated that his removal and the firing of other Justice Department employees involved in Jan. 6 investigations pose a "threat to national security." This highlights concerns about the administration's interference in law enforcement.
Feb 5, 2025 Attorney General Pam Bondi launched a Weaponization Working Group to review prosecutions of Trump and investigate alleged prosecutorial abuse tied to Jan. 6 investigations Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The new DOJ unit signaled intent to challenge past accountability efforts, raising concerns about politicized law enforcement.
Supporting reports
- Bondi launches Weaponization Working Group — Attorney General Pam Bondi launched a "Weaponization Working Group" to review prosecutions of Trump and investigate alleged prosecutorial abuse related to Jan. 6 investigations. This group aims to challenge legal actions against Trump and his allies.