The Trump Administration dropped charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams for bribery and campaign finance offenses related to Turkish nationals. The Justice Department cited concerns about weaponization and distraction from law-and-order priorities as reasons for the dismissal, signaling a shift away from FARA enforcement and foreign influence cases. This decision sets a precedent for other politicians facing similar charges to potentially avoid prosecution.

Mayor Adams, who had been seeking favor from the Trump Administration, is the first to benefit from this policy shift. Other politicians, such as Sen. Bob Menendez and Rep. Henry Cuellar, are also facing bribery and foreign agent charges, raising questions about how their cases will proceed in light of the Justice Department’s new approach. The dismissal of charges against Adams and the lack of FARA violations being pursued suggest that foreign influence in American politics may be more prevalent and unchecked moving forward.