The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Feb. 12, 2025
Today’s Script
(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)
February 10th, the head of the Office of Government Ethics, a Senate-confirmed position, was fired by letter by President Donald Trump, likely illegally. In an even more questionable action the same day, the U.S. Department of Justice dropped federal corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
As we reported last December, Mayor Adams was accused by the Biden DOJ with taking campaign donations from foreign nationals and businessmen, allegedly using “straw donors” to make them appear as legitimate donations. He was also accused of doing favors in exchange for luxury travel and attempting to conceal those transactions.
January 17th, Adams traveled to meet with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, and recently, Adams expressed a willingness to work with the administration on immigration, contrary to New York City’s status as a sanctuary city.
Now, DOJ has reversed course, citing a memo from Trump’s AG, “Restoring The Integrity and Credibility of the Department of Justice”, and Trump’s executive order, “Ending The Weaponization of the Federal Government.”
Also on Monday, David Huitema, the director of the Office of Government Ethics, confirmed by the Senate in December for a five year term, was notified of his firing by Trump. The head of the Office of Special Counsel, Hampton Dellinger, fired by Trump February 7th, had his removal blocked by a federal judge on Monday.
We’ve linked DOJ’s memo dropping charges against Adams at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
The Hill – Trump fires Office of Government Ethics chief
American Democracy Minute – (2024) NYC’s Embattled Mayor Denied $4.5 Million in Matching Funds from City’s Public Campaign Finance Funding System
The Guardian – ‘Currying favor with Trump’: Eric Adams’ rightward drift sparks speculation as prosecution looms
CNN – Justice Department directs prosecutors to drop federal corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams
U.S. Department of Justice via CNN – Dismissal Without Prejudice of Prosecution of Mayor Eric Adams
Associated Press – Judge orders fired head of whistleblower agency reinstated while fight continues over Trump removal
Groups Taking Action:
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, Brennan Center for Justice, Public Citizen
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
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