Eric Adams's trial adjourned indefinitely as judge weighs dropping charges

The federal judge overseeing New York City Mayor Eric Adams’s (D) criminal case indefinitely delayed his April trial as he considers a controversial effort by President Trump’s Justice Department to drop the charges.

Since both the prosecution and defense are aligned in pushing to close the case, U.S. District Judge Dale Ho also appointed prominent conservative attorney Paul Clement to present arguments for the other side.

The order is the judge’s first update since holding a hearing in the case Wednesday, when acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove stressed the Justice Department’s wide discretion in making prosecutorial decisions.

Bove directed prosecutors to drop the case following Trump’s inauguration, saying it “improperly interfered” with Adams’s 2025 reelection campaign and “unduly restricted” his ability to partner with the new administration on immigration.

Now, the judge must decide whether the unusual circumstances compel him to use his limited authority to override prosecutors’ desire.

“Here, the recent conference helped clarify the parties’ respective positions, but there has been no adversarial testing of the Government’s position generally or the form of its requested relief specifically,” wrote Ho, an appointee of former President Biden. 

The judge invited the parties to submit written briefs by March 7 detailing the legal standards and practical consequences of his forthcoming ruling, signaling the matter won’t be immediately resolved. Oral arguments will be held a week later, if necessary. 

“The Court reiterates that it understands the importance of prompt resolution of the pending motion and will endeavor to rule expeditiously after briefing (and, if necessary, oral argument) is complete. The adjournment of trial and all related deadlines alleviates any prejudice resulting from a short delay,” Ho wrote.

The Hill reached out to Adams’s legal team and the Justice Department for comment.

The new schedule sets up a battle between the administration and Clement, a conservative legal heavyweight who served as solicitor general under the younger former President Bush. Clement is particularly known for his advocacy before the Supreme Court, having argued more than 100 cases before the justices. 

Adams was due to stand trial in April on charges of bribery, wire fraud and soliciting illegal campaign contributions. He pleaded not guilty. 

Trump-era Justice Department leaders’ push to drop Adams’s charges sparked a wave of resignations among prosecutors and top city officials working under the mayor.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), who has authority to remove Adams from office, declined to do so Thursday, instead proposing “guardrails” to increase oversight of the city. 

Updated at 1:20 p.m. EST