In a bold move that underscores his ongoing battle with the Justice Department, former President Donald Trump’s administration has dismissed over a dozen federal lawyers involved in prosecuting him. Acting Attorney General James McHenry, a Trump appointee, justified the decision by asserting that the attorneys could not be trusted to uphold the president’s agenda.
A termination letter obtained by Reuters revealed McHenry’s reference to Trump’s constitutional authority as justification for the dismissals. The affected attorneys previously worked under Special Counsel Jack Smith, who led two high-profile federal cases against Trump before both were dropped following his victory in the November election. Smith himself stepped down from the Justice Department earlier this month.
The dismissals coincide with an internal review led by Trump-appointed federal prosecutor Ed Martin into the use of felony obstruction charges against individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack. This follows a Supreme Court ruling that raised the legal bar for such charges, resulting in their dismissal in several cases.
This shake-up highlights Trump’s commitment to pursuing retribution against those who prosecuted him during his time out of office. The former president has long accused the Justice Department of bias, labeling the cases against him as politically motivated and an example of the “weaponization” of the legal system.
The firings also come amidst broader changes within the Justice Department. Up to 20 senior officials, including ethics and public corruption leaders, have been reassigned. Corey Amundson, former head of the public corruption section, announced his resignation this week, citing the ongoing reshuffle. Meanwhile, Trump’s nominee for attorney general, Pam Bondi, awaits Senate confirmation, with a vote expected on Wednesday.
The dismissed attorneys were involved in cases alleging Trump’s retention of classified documents and interference with the 2020 election certification. Trump has consistently denied the charges, maintaining his stance of innocence and criticizing the Justice Department’s integrity.
This move marks a critical turning point for Trump’s administration as it reshapes the Justice Department, fueling concerns about the independence of America’s legal system.