DOJ: Trump Orders Removal of ‘Biden Era’ US Attorneys
Trump Orders Removal of Biden-Era US Attorneys: On February 18, 2025, former President Donald Trump announced via a post on his Truth Social platform that he has directed the Justice Department to terminate all remaining U.S. attorneys appointed during Joe Biden’s presidency. He described the DOJ as having been “politicized like never before” and emphasized the need to “clean house” to restore public confidence in the justice system, stating that this action marks the beginning of a new era for fairness and integrity in U.S. law enforcement.
Context of the Directive: Trump’s directive follows a customary practice where incoming administrations replace U.S. attorneys from previous administrations. However, this time, it is notable that Trump issued termination letters rather than requesting resignations, which has raised eyebrows among legal experts. The Justice Department has experienced significant upheaval since Trump’s return to office, with many high-ranking officials being dismissed or reassigned.
Reactions and Implications: The announcement has led to immediate resignations among U.S. attorneys and other officials within the DOJ who are unwilling to comply with Trump’s directives. For instance, Denise Cheung, a top prosecutor in Washington, D.C., resigned after declining to initiate an investigation she deemed premature. This situation reflects ongoing tensions regarding the politicization of the DOJ and the challenges faced by federal prosecutors under shifting administrations.
This development is part of a broader narrative where Trump continues to claim that the DOJ has been weaponized against him, framing his actions as necessary for restoring integrity and fairness in American governance.
