Federal Prosecutor Resigns Over Justice Department Order

Federal Prosecutor Resigns Over Justice Department Order

Rising Conservative Legal Star Steps Down

Danielle Sassoon, a career federal prosecutor and former clerk for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, resigned after refusing to comply with a Justice Department order to drop a criminal corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams.

Controversial Order to Drop Case

The Justice Department cited the upcoming November mayoral election and Adams’ role in immigration enforcement as reasons to drop the case. The decision led to multiple resignations within the department.

Clash Between Traditional Conservatism and Executive Control

Sassoon’s resignation highlights tensions between traditional Republican legal principles and a shift toward stronger executive influence over the federal government. Trump has pursued policies that challenge longstanding norms of prosecutorial independence.

Legal Community Reacts

Ilya Somin, a libertarian legal scholar, criticized the decision, arguing it undermines the rule of law. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove defended the order, accusing Sassoon and others of violating their oaths by refusing to follow directives.

Comparison to the “Saturday Night Massacre”

The resignations draw parallels to the 1973 “Saturday Night Massacre,” when Justice Department officials resigned after refusing President Nixon’s order to fire the Watergate special prosecutor.

Adams’ Legal Battle and Political Implications

Mayor Eric Adams has pleaded not guilty to charges of accepting bribes from Turkish officials. His lawyer denied any quid pro quo. Sassoon argued that dismissing the indictment while leaving the possibility of reviving it later constituted a political threat.

Future of the Justice Department

Bove has referred Sassoon and other prosecutors for possible misconduct investigations. The Justice Department in Washington has taken control of the Adams case, raising concerns about further resignations and internal dissent.

Ongoing Fallout

Legal experts warn of continued turmoil within the Southern District of New York (SDNY). Further resignations could follow as prosecutors navigate the shifting landscape of federal law enforcement under the current administration.

“Federal Prosecutor Resigns Over Justice Department Order” “Federal Prosecutor Resigns Over Justice Department Order”