Judge cancels NYC Mayor Adams' federal corruption trial, charges not immediately dismissed

A federal judge on Friday ruled to adjourn the corruption trial for New York City Mayor Eric Adams but did not immediately dismiss the charges against him. 

Adams, a Democrat, was charged in September with federal bribery, conspiracy and campaign finance offenses but has pleaded not guilty. 

In recent days, the Justice Department has attempted to get the charges dropped, arguing they are interfering with Adams' efforts to help the Trump administration enforce immigration laws in New York City. Critics of the effort argue Adams is trying to cut a quid pro quo deal to get out of trouble.  

Judge Dale E. Ho, who made he ruling Friday, has appointed a counsel to advise him on how to go forward with how to handle the DOJ request to dismiss the charges, according to The Associated Press.

Ho announced he would be appointing attorney Paul Clement to present arguments that would challenge the DOJ's decision to drop charges against the mayor.

President Donald Trump said last year department prosecutors under then-President Joe Biden were "dirty players" and that he would consider pardoning Adams.