Action Letter
Defend Judicial Independence and Prevent Unchecked Presidential Authority
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Dear [Recipient],
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I am writing to express my deep concern over recent events surrounding the interference with the legal process in the case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The resignation of multiple Department of Justice (DOJ) officials, including the acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, over attempts to dismiss corruption charges in exchange for political cooperation is a direct challenge to the integrity of the legal system in our country.
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As a citizen of the United States, I am alarmed by these actions. The Justice Department must remain free from political influence to ensure that all Americans are treated equally under the law, regardless of political affiliation or status. Political pressure should never dictate the outcomes of legal decisions. If we allow such interference to go unchecked, it sets a dangerous precedent that could weaken the foundations of our democracy and undermine public trust in the institutions that are meant to protect us.
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The resignations of these experienced and principled DOJ officials serve as a warning that our legal system is at risk of becoming compromised. Public trust in the fairness of our judicial system is essential, and if we allow political agendas to drive decisions at the highest levels, we open the door to future abuses of power that could affect all Americans.
I urge you to take immediate action to ensure the independence of the Department of Justice. Specifically, I ask you to:
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Support efforts to uphold the integrity and independence of the DOJ, and oppose any political interference that would compromise its role in ensuring justice for all Americans.
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Demand transparency regarding the pressure that led to the resignations of DOJ officials and ensure that these actions are fully investigated.
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Advocate for clear safeguards to prevent political influence from dictating legal proceedings, especially in cases involving elected officials.
The United States has a proud tradition of upholding the rule of law, and it is essential that we maintain these standards to safeguard our democracy. We must ensure that justice is not only done but is seen to be done, without the influence of political pressures or personal interests.
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I ask that you act swiftly to hold those responsible for political interference accountable and take necessary steps to restore and protect the public's trust in our justice system.
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Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I look forward to hearing how you plan to address this issue.
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Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Backgrounder
Executive Summary
The resignation of multiple Department of Justice (DOJ) officials over the Trump administration’s interference with an active investigation into New York City Mayor Eric Adams underscores a dangerous precedent for political influence over legal decisions. Americans must demand transparency and accountability to ensure the integrity of the Justice Department. Political pressure should never dictate legal outcomes. Join us in urging Congress and the Justice Department to protect the independence of the DOJ and preserve the rule of law in the United States.
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Why Americans Should Be Concerned:
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Erosion of the Rule of Law: If political interference continues to influence DOJ actions, it undermines the very foundation of the justice system. This opens the door for future abuses of power, where justice could be swayed by political loyalty instead of facts and legal principles.
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Undermining Democratic Institutions: A compromised justice system leads to a loss of trust in democratic institutions, weakening the checks and balances that protect all Americans. When the law is manipulated for political purposes, no citizen is safe from corruption or injustice.
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Precedent for Future Misuse: If we don’t hold our elected officials accountable now, this could set a precedent for future administrations to use the DOJ to target political adversaries or protect their own allies, further eroding the fairness of the U.S. legal system.
Backgrounder:
The recent crisis within the Department of Justice has been sparked by attempts from the Trump administration to interfere with a corruption investigation involving New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The investigation centered on allegations that Adams may have been involved in corrupt activities, and a federal indictment had been issued. However, the administration pushed for these charges to be dropped, reportedly in exchange for Adams' cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on key immigration policies.
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This pressure for political cooperation from a key public official led to resignations from senior DOJ officials, including acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Danielle Sassoon, and others in the Public Integrity Section of the DOJ. They objected to the interference, stating that dismissing charges in exchange for political favors directly violated the foundational principles of justice and legal impartiality. One such resignation letter from acting Assistant U.S. Attorney Hagan Scotten, who served as a troop commander in Iraq and clerked for Chief Justice John Roberts, stated that this type of political interference is a violation of American traditions and legal norms.
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Key Concerns Raised:
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Independence of the Justice Department: The Justice Department is supposed to operate free of political influence to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly under the law. The recent push to drop charges against Adams represents an attempt to politicize the DOJ and its processes, threatening the very impartiality that the public relies on.
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Historical Precedent for Political Interference: The situation mirrors past events where political leaders attempted to bend legal systems to their will. The most famous case being the "Saturday Night Massacre" during the Nixon administration, when Attorney General Elliot Richardson and Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus resigned rather than fire special prosecutor Archibald Cox, who was investigating Watergate. This ultimately led to public outrage and was a key moment in preserving the independence of American legal institutions.
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Corruption and Accountability: If this attempt to manipulate the legal process for political gain goes unchallenged, it sends a message that powerful figures can act above the law. It opens the door for corruption to thrive unchecked and sets a dangerous precedent that could impact every American, regardless of political affiliation or status.
What’s at Stake:
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The Integrity of the Justice System: The Justice Department’s duty is to act independently of political influence, ensuring fair and equal treatment for all citizens under the law. The current crisis threatens to undermine this core principle.
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Public Trust in Government: If citizens lose faith in the justice system, it erodes democracy itself. Holding officials accountable for their actions is crucial to maintaining public trust in government institutions and the rule of law.
Calls for Action:
The crisis within the Department of Justice is a direct challenge to the rule of law and the integrity of American democracy. The public must demand that elected officials uphold the DOJ’s independence and ensure that political pressure never compromises the legal process. This is not just a matter for legal professionals; it is a matter for all Americans who care about justice, fairness, and the protection of democratic norms.
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Citations:
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NBC News: “Trump's Border Czar Tells Eric Adams to Cooperate with ICE or Face Serious Consequences,” February 14, 2025. Link
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Reuters: “Federal Prosecutor Will Sign Motion to Dismiss Adams Charges to Save DOJ Jobs,” February 14, 2025. Link
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Politico: “Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker Pushes Back on Trump’s Comments about Ukraine,” February 13, 2025. Link
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Washington Post: “DOJ Resignations Over Political Interference in Corruption Case Against Eric Adams,” February 14, 2025. Link
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CNN: “Resignations Spark Debate on DOJ Independence and Integrity,” February 14, 2025. Link