Trump Fires DOJ Attorneys As Part Of Effort To Clean Up Federal Law Enforcement

President Donald Trump has launched a sweeping overhaul of the Department of Justice, removing multiple U.S. attorneys who were appointed under the Biden administration. At least a dozen prosecutors were dismissed Wednesday night, with indications that more terminations could follow.

Among those removed was Tara McGrath, who served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California. Others affected include Erek L. Barron in Maryland, Dena J. King in North Carolina, and Tessa Gorman in Washington. Most of these attorneys had been installed during Biden’s presidency and had handled cases that conservatives argue were influenced by partisan interests.

A letter from the White House to at least one dismissed attorney read, “At the direction of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as U.S. Attorney is terminated, effective immediately.” This direct intervention departs from past practice, where new administrations typically allow the Justice Department to oversee personnel changes.

Since returning to the White House, Trump has moved swiftly to overhaul federal law enforcement. His administration has pardoned those convicted in connection to the January 6 protests and has installed an advocate for them as interim U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C. The White House has also requested names of FBI officials involved in politically charged investigations.

Sen. Tom Cotton announced that Jonathan Ross, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, was originally included in the list of terminations but was reinstated after the senator spoke with White House officials.

The Justice Department has not disclosed the total number of dismissals. With Trump making it clear that he wants to remove political influence from the DOJ, additional firings are expected.

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