DOJ Mandates Loyalty to President Over Constitution – Immediate Oversight Needed

I write to bring to your attention a troubling instance of what appears to be blatant political interference in a federal criminal prosecution by the Department of Justice. A letter dated February 13, 2025, from Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove to Acting U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon orders her to dismiss the prosecution of Mayor Eric Adams, citing Executive Order 14147 (Ending the Weaponization of the Federal Government) as justification. When she refused, she was forced to resign, and the Assistant U.S. Attorneys involved in the case were placed on administrative leave in a clear act of retaliation. The case has since been removed from SDNY’s jurisdiction to ensure its dismissal. This order is not grounded in legal or evidentiary concerns but in political expediency, as explicitly stated in Bove’s letter. Even more disturbing is Bove’s claim that DOJ attorneys must subordinate their constitutional duties to the political interests of the President and Attorney General, stating: "You lost sight of the oath that you took when you started at the Department of Justice by suggesting that you retain discretion to interpret the Constitution in a manner inconsistent with the policies of a democratically elected President and a Senate-confirmed Attorney General.” This statement is a direct repudiation of DOJ’s historical independence. DOJ officials swear an oath to uphold the Constitution, not to advance the policies of any administration. This demand for loyalty to the President over the rule of law sets a dangerous precedent, effectively transforming federal prosecutors into political operatives rather than impartial enforcers of justice. The weaponization of DOJ to shield political allies is an abuse of power that cannot go unchecked. If allowed to stand, this will establish a precedent that prosecutions—or lack thereof—are dictated not by law but by political calculations. Given the seriousness of this matter, I urge you to take the following immediate actions: 1. Launch a congressional investigation into DOJ’s handling of this case, including testimony from Emil Bove, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and former Acting U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon. 2. Request an immediate DOJ Office of the Inspector General investigation into potential misconduct and obstruction of justice. 3. Consider legislative reforms to safeguard prosecutorial independence and prevent political appointees from unilaterally dismissing cases based on political considerations rather than legal merit. This is not a partisan issue but a test of our system’s commitment to the rule of law. I urge you to act swiftly to hold those responsible accountable and to prevent further politicization of federal law enforcement. Thank you for your time and attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to your response.