The acting Attorney General, James McHenry, reportedly took action on Monday to terminate several Justice Department officials who were involved in federal investigations related to President Donald Trump, according to sources within the department.
In official termination letters sent to over a dozen individuals, McHenry stated his lack of trust in their ability to “faithfully implement the President’s agenda,” citing their significant roles in prosecuting cases. The exact number of fired officials remains unclear at this time.
On the same day, Ed Martin, the acting U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., issued a memo announcing a “special project” to review the department’s handling of cases against Jan. 6 Capitol rioters. According to an anonymous source familiar with the memo, Martin directed prosecutors to compile detailed records related to the use of obstruction charges, describing the approach as a “great failure.” This follows a Supreme Court ruling last summer, which considered the Justice Department’s application of the obstruction charge excessive, despite prior approval by several lower court judges.
These actions are part of a broader, aggressive shift in the DOJs policies and leadership following Trump’s return to the presidency seven days ago. Key policy reversals have been made on charging decisions, immigration enforcement, and other areas, while work in the civil rights and environmental divisions has been stopped. Additionally, several senior career officials have been reassigned to roles outside their expertise, often within immigration-focused task forces.
President Donald Trump has long criticized the Justice Department, accusing it of conducting politically motivated investigations against him and his supporters. This recent reform reflects the administration’s effort modify the department’s priorities.
Author: Hassan Ahmad
