Trump declares war on DOJ corruption, orders immediate firing of all Biden-era attorneys
By willowt // 2025-02-20
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  • President Trump ordered the termination of all remaining U.S. attorneys appointed during the Biden administration, citing political interference and the need to "clean house" and restore public confidence in the DOJ.
  • The abrupt termination of these attorneys through termination letters, rather than the usual resignation process, has raised concerns about the politicization of the DOJ and the balance between executive power and judicial independence.
  • Notable resignations include the acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and the top criminal prosecutor in the District of Columbia, signaling a shift in DOJ priorities and operations.
  • Trump has nominated several new members to head the DOJ, including allies seen as key to his effort to reform the department and restore a fair justice system.
  • The decision to fire all remaining Biden-era U.S. attorneys highlights the need for systemic reform in the DOJ and raises questions about whether Trump's approach will lead to a more just and equitable system or further entrench political interference.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the legal and political communities, President Donald Trump has ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to terminate all remaining U.S. attorneys appointed during the Biden administration. Trump, who has long alleged that the DOJ was "politicized like never before," has sworn to "clean house" and restore public confidence in the nation's justice system. "Over the past four years, the Department of Justice has been politicized like never before. Therefore, I have instructed the termination of ALL remaining 'Biden Era' U.S. Attorneys," Trump posted on Truth Social. "We must 'clean house' IMMEDIATELY, and restore confidence. America’s Golden Age must have a fair Justice System - THAT BEGINS TODAY!"

A history of political interference

The root of Trump's action lies in his contentious relationship with the Biden administration, which he has consistently accused of using the DOJ as a political tool. The department brought multiple criminal cases against Trump, including charges related to election interference and the handling of classified documents. These cases, Trump contends, are part of a broader effort to undermine his legacy and political ambitions. Historically, the transition of U.S. attorneys between administrations has been a routine affair. However, the manner in which these transitions occur has typically been more measured. In the past, new administrations would request resignations rather than issue termination letters, a practice that Trump's latest directive seems to have eschewed. This abrupt and forceful approach has rekindled debates about the politicization of the DOJ and the balance between executive power and judicial independence.

The immediate impact

The order comes just a week after the White House sent termination letters to several U.S. attorneys nationwide who were appointed by former President Joe Biden. Several more attorneys resigned on Monday, and others left last week. The swift and decisive action has already begun to reshape the DOJ's leadership, with Trump tapping several new appointees to key positions. Notably, the acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, Danielle Sassoon, resigned last week after the DOJ directed her to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D). This move has been seen as a strategic play to ease tensions with local Democratic officials, but it has also raised questions about the independence and integrity of the DOJ under Trump's leadership. Denise Cheung, the top criminal prosecutor at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, also resigned on Tuesday following a directive to initiate a probe into Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding that was approved during Biden's term. These resignations, coupled with the termination of other Biden-era appointees, signal a significant shift in the DOJ's priorities and operations.

The road to recovery

For Trump, the firing of Biden-era attorneys is just the beginning of his broader plan to reform the DOJ. He has already nominated several new members to head the department, including Judge Jason Reding as the next U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Nassau County Judge Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York, and Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York in Manhattan. Additionally, Edward Martin, who oversaw the dismissal of all pending Jan. 6 rioter cases, has been nominated to serve as the U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C. Trump's nominees are seen as key allies in his effort to "clean house" and restore what he views as a fair and impartial justice system. However, the rapid and sweeping nature of these changes has sparked concerns about the potential for further politicization and the erosion of the DOJ's independence. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the broader implications of these actions. However, in his Truth Social post, Trump made his intentions clear: "America’s Golden Age must have a fair Justice System – THAT BEGINS TODAY!" As the nation watches and waits, one thing is certain: the coming months will be critical in determining whether Trump's efforts to "clean house" will lead to a more transparent and impartial DOJ, or if they will further entrench the very issues he claims to be addressing.

A call for systemic reform

The decision to fire all remaining Biden-era U.S. attorneys is not just a political move; it is a call for systemic reform. The history of political interference in the DOJ is long and fraught, and Trump's actions highlight the need to address the structural issues that have allowed such interference to flourish. Whether his approach will ultimately lead to a more just and equitable system remains to be seen, but the urgency of the task is undeniable. In a nation where the rule of law is paramount, the integrity of the DOJ is essential. Trump's directive serves as a stark reminder that, sometimes, to build a better system, one must first dispose of the broken and corrupt elements that have long stood in the way of true justice. Sources include: JustTheNews.com Reuters.com NYPost.com TheHill.com
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