Trump orders dismissal of all remaining Biden-era US attorneys
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has ordered the Justice Department to fire all remaining US attorneys appointed during Joe Biden's presidency. The directive was announced on Tuesday, with Trump citing concerns over the department's politicization. "We must 'clean house' IMMEDIATELY, and restore confidence. America's Golden Age must have a fair Justice System - THAT BEGINS TODAY," he said in a post on Truth Social.
Resignations follow
Biden-appointed attorneys receive termination notices
The Justice Department has not yet publicly responded regarding this directive. Last week, countrywide termination notices were issued to numerous US attorneys nominated by former President Biden. On Monday, seven Biden-appointed solicitors announced their resignations, following others who left the previous week. Traditionally, US attorneys have resigned after a change in presidential administration. The new administration usually asks for their resignations instead of sending termination letters.
Unconventional approach
Trump's move breaks with tradition
Days after taking office, Trump sacked numerous career federal prosecutors who were involved in cases against him. The employees worked on special counsel Jack Smith's probe into Trump's handling of classified documents and efforts to reverse his 2020 election loss. Smith resigned before Trump assumed office. Dozens of officials in cities like Washington and New York have also been fired or have resigned since Trump's inauguration.
Campaign pledge
Trump's campaign promise to 'end weaponization' of Justice Department
Trump had campaigned on ending what he called the "weaponization" of the Justice Department against him while he was out of power. Most recently, Trump directed the DOJ to dismiss a prosecution against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who was facing corruption allegations, forcing acting US Attorney Danielle Sassoon and five other staff members to resign. Sasson accused the Justice Department of agreeing to a "quid pro quo."