Editorial: The New York Times

• President Trump is determined to bend the American justice system to his will and displays a broad tolerance for political corruption.
• Coercive and loyalty based tactics are increasingly being used at city and state level, particularly against local policies that Trump opposes.
• Dishonorable practices and quid pro quo deal making are being used to undermine the ethical and trustworthy governance of New York.
• Trump's justice department officials are bent on not only turning a blind eye to their peers alleging illegal actions, but also corrupting the prosecutors in the department itself.
• New York City Mayor, Eric Adams, is under credible accusations of corruption and should thus face investigation and possible prosecution by state officials.
• President Trump is blaming the indictment against Adams as being politicized by prosecutors and the Biden administration when the charges are credible and serious.
• The President and the Justice Department are sending out the message that the impartiality, precedents and core laws upon which the American justice system depends can be dispensed with.

Conclusion: The actions and administration of Trump are setting a dangerous precedent by undermining ethical governance and corrupting prosecutors. The state of democracy is at risk with such actions that violate democratic norms and the law.

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