Eric Adams says it’s time to ‘move forward’ and focus on future of NYC after Trump’s DOJ ordered corruption case dropped

Mayor Eric Adams said Tuesday it’s time to “move forward” and focus on the future of New York City after President Trump’s Department of Justice ordered his criminal case be dropped.

Adams, in a solemn address from City Hall, sought to reassure New Yorkers that he could still lead the nation’s largest city.

“It’s time to move forward,” he said. “But despite the fact that I am no longer facing legal questions, I also understand that many New Yorkers are still questioning my character. And I know that I must continue to regain your trust.”

The address focusing on a 15-month legal saga that raised questions about the mayor’s character and imperiled his personal and political future ahead of the June Democratic primary lasted less than six minutes.

Adams, who avoided reporters as he entered City Hall and did not take questions, said he was now able to “put this cruel episode behind us and focus entirely on the future of New York City.”

Hizzoner had contended since the stunning 57-page indictment against him dropped in September that his legal woes wouldn’t affect his ability to govern.

Adams reiterated that he did nothing wrong, and seemed to imply the DOJ’s move vindicated him.

“As I said from the outset, I never broke the law. And I never would,” he said Tuesday. “I would never put any personal benefit above my solemn responsibility as your mayor.

“No witness ever came forward publicly to make claims against me, none of the baseless threats from prosecutors of new charges and new evidence never materialized.”

The letter from Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove ordering Southern District of New York prosecutors to drop the case, however, pointedly noted the decision was made “without assessing the strength of the evidence.”

Bove instead argued the potential that the charges were political retribution for Adams speaking out against the Biden administration amid the border crisis created an appearance of impropriety.

They also improperly interfered with Adams’ 2025 mayoral campaign and ability to help with Trump’s immigration crackdown, Bove wrote.

Southern District prosecutors have yet to file a motion to dismiss the case.