Bulwark Takes: DOJ Faces Mass Resignations Over Eric Adams’ Prosecution Freeze

Release Date: February 13, 2025
Host: Sam Stein, with guest Ryan Goodman of Justice Security

Introduction

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, host Sam Stein and guest Ryan Goodman delve into a seismic shift within the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) concerning the prosecution of New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The discussion centers around unprecedented resignations within the DOJ in response to political interference aimed at halting the prosecution of Adams.

Background of the Situation

Sam Stein opens the conversation by highlighting the dramatic developments at the Manhattan U.S. Attorney's Office in the Southern District of New York. He describes the situation as a "Thursday afternoon massacre," referencing the mass resignations sparked by the DOJ's attempt to drop the case against Mayor Adams under political pressure.

Sam Stein [00:00]:
"What the hell is happening at the U.S. attorney's office in the Southern District? This is wild stuff."

Key Players and Their Roles

Daniel Sassoon, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, has resigned in opposition to the DOJ's directive to drop the prosecution against Eric Adams. Goodman provides context on Sassoon's professional background, noting her conservative credentials and previous high-profile cases, including the likely prosecution of Samuel Bankman-Fried in the crypto sphere.

Ryan Goodman [02:26]:
"Under Nixon, you know, it's like, you know, trying to fire the special counsel. It's unbelievable."

Goodman emphasizes the gravity of the situation by comparing it to historical instances of political interference in judicial matters, underscoring the uniqueness and seriousness of the current crisis.

DOJ's Directive and Its Implications

The crux of the episode revolves around a letter from Emile Beauvais, the Acting Deputy Attorney General and former defense counsel for Donald Trump. Beauvais explicitly orders Sassoon to drop the case against Mayor Adams, citing political motivations: Adams' reelection campaign and perceived obstruction of Trump's immigration policies.

Ryan Goodman [02:48]:
"His letter to Sassoon saying drop the case against Adams is just extraordinary... it's no legal basis to."

Goodman critiques the DOJ's rationale, labeling it as "extortionist" and highlighting the lack of legal foundation for such political interference. He notes that Beauvais's actions may jeopardize the DOJ's credibility and the ethical standing of its officials.

Sam Stein [05:10]:
"The Southern District is sort of the biggest and the baddest and known as the sovereign district, frankly."

Resignations and Internal Conflict

The pressure from the DOJ has led to the departure of two of the most senior officials within the department, who refuse to comply with the order to drop the prosecution. This mass resignation movement signals a potential crisis of conscience among DOJ officials, who are being torn between upholding the rule of law and following politically motivated directives.

Ryan Goodman [07:08]:
"It's a very hard choice. And it's a very subjective choice... to try to keep the rule of law together as much as possible."

Goodman underscores the ethical dilemma faced by DOJ personnel, suggesting that resigning is a principled stand against unethical orders.

Historical Context and Comparisons

Goodman draws parallels to the Nixon era, where attempts to manipulate legal processes for political gain were met with significant resistance. This comparison serves to illustrate the severity and rarity of the current DOJ crisis.

Ryan Goodman [02:26]:
"Under Nixon, you know, it's like, you know, trying to fire the special counsel. It's unbelievable."

This historical lens provides listeners with a framework to understand the potential long-term implications of the DOJ's actions on the independence of the judiciary.

Potential Outcomes and Future Implications

The discussion speculates on the possible future scenarios following these resignations. Goodman suggests that Beauvais might attempt to further centralize control over the case, but faces resistance both internally and externally.

Sam Stein [09:01]:
"Yeah, we're in unusual times... but it likely will not happen [assigning to an independent prosecutor]."

The hosts contemplate the likelihood of the case being reassigned to an independent prosecutor, noting that such an outcome is highly improbable given the current political climate.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, Stein and Goodman reflect on the broader implications of this DOJ upheaval. They rate the situation as highly troubling, with Goodman assigning it an 8 out of 10 on a scale of crisis severity.

Sam Stein [09:33]:
"8, so you're above an 8."

This rating encapsulates the episode's central theme: a profound challenge to the integrity and independence of the U.S. Department of Justice, with far-reaching consequences for the American legal and political landscape.

Notable Quotes

• Sam Stein [00:00]:
  "What the hell is happening at the U.S. attorney's office in the Southern District? This is wild stuff."

• Ryan Goodman [02:26]:
  "Under Nixon, you know, it's like, you know, trying to fire the special counsel. It's unbelievable."

• Ryan Goodman [02:48]:
  "His letter to Sassoon saying drop the case against Adams is just extraordinary... it's no legal basis to."

• Ryan Goodman [07:08]:
  "It's a very hard choice. And it's a very subjective choice... to try to keep the rule of law together as much as possible."

• Sam Stein [09:33]:
  "8, so you're above an 8."

This episode of Bulwark Takes offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the unfolding crisis within the DOJ, highlighting the tension between political influence and legal integrity. Through detailed discussion and expert commentary, Stein and Goodman provide listeners with a clear understanding of the stakes involved and the potential ramifications for the justice system.