Legal Integrity
How did Danielle Sassoon respond to the pressure to drop corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams?
Danielle Sassoon demonstrated remarkable integrity by resigning from her position rather than complying with the directive to dismiss the corruption case against Mayor Adams. In her eight-page resignation letter, she thoroughly dismantled her superior's arguments and exposed what she saw as a corrupt quid pro quo arrangement where Adams' lawyers offered help with immigration issues only if the indictment was dismissed. Despite her strong conservative credentials, Sassoon chose to uphold the rule of law when faced with evidence that suggested obstruction of justice, including the deletion of evidence and provision of false information to the FBI. Her principled stand, alongside other career prosecutors who joined her, represents a powerful example of ethical commitment in the face of political pressure.
Watch clip answer (01:48m)
MSNBC
09:33 - 11:21
What happened when Trump's administration tried to pressure DOJ officials to drop the corruption case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams?
Six senior Department of Justice officials resigned in a single day after refusing to drop the corruption case against Mayor Eric Adams despite pressure from Trump's administration. The case was initially transferred from U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon to the DOJ's Public Integrity Section, where acting head John Keller also refused to dismiss it and resigned. When transferred to Kevin Driscoll, the acting head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, he too refused and resigned, followed by three more senior members of the Public Integrity Section. These principled resignations represent a stand for the rule of law against what Chris Hayes describes as the "blatant corruption" of the Trump administration.
Watch clip answer (00:56m)
MSNBC
04:03 - 04:59
What was Danielle Sassoon's response when ordered to dismiss corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams?
Danielle Sassoon, a Trump-appointed U.S. attorney, chose to resign rather than comply with orders to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. She wrote to her superior, Bove, indicating that her entire team was in agreement with this principled stance against what they viewed as political interference. In response, Bove reacted with contempt, placing her team on administrative leave and threatening an investigation through the Office of Professional Ethics. This exchange highlights the tension between legal professionals upholding the rule of law and political pressure, demonstrating how some federal prosecutors are standing firm against perceived corruption despite potential professional consequences.
Watch clip answer (00:28m)MSNBC
11:23 - 11:51
Why did acting U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon resign from the Southern District of New York?
Danielle Sassoon resigned because she refused to comply with Department of Justice directives to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. In her letter to Attorney General Bondi, she refuted the reasoning behind the dismissal order, arguing that whether the case proceeded to trial or was dismissed without prejudice (allowing it to be brought again after the November election) made no meaningful difference. Sassoon stood on ethical principles, rejecting what she perceived as political pressure that would have placed the mayor under administrative monitoring and control, compromising her prosecutorial integrity and constitutional oath.
Watch clip answer (01:25m)
MSNBC
03:46 - 05:11
Why did Danielle Sassoon resign from her position as acting U.S. attorney in Manhattan?
Danielle Sassoon resigned because she felt complying with the DOJ directive to dismiss charges against Mayor Eric Adams would violate her oath to the Constitution and her ethical obligations as an attorney. In her resignation letter, she explained that following the order would compromise her duty of candor under New York law and prevent her from credibly representing the government in court. Sassoon emphasized that prosecutors must operate without political influence, stating that dismissing the case based on political considerations would undermine the integrity of the justice system and her ability to lead the office of nearly 200 prosecutors who are committed to pursuing cases without fear or favor.
Watch clip answer (01:46m)
MSNBC
05:50 - 07:36
Why did U.S. attorney Danielle Sassoon resign from her position?
Danielle Sassoon resigned because she was asked by the Attorney General to do something that conflicted with her ethics and morals. Despite the Attorney General being her boss with authority to direct U.S. attorneys, Sassoon chose to step down rather than comply with directives that contradicted her principles and the reason she became a prosecutor - to fight corruption. The transcript suggests she faced pressure that would have compromised her integrity, likely related to dropping corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. For Sassoon, this represented "a bridge too far" as it meant working for those she considered "the bad guys" rather than pursuing justice as she had intended in her role.
Watch clip answer (00:27m)MSNBC
05:23 - 05:50