Politics
Career Prosecutors Resign as Trump Takes Aim at DOJ ‘Fourth Branch’
Clear Facts
- Several career prosecutors have resigned from the Department of Justice (DOJ) due to conflicts over whether the agency should operate independently or under presidential direction.
- Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove emphasized the need for DOJ employees to align with the Trump administration’s priorities, suggesting those who disagree should resign.
- Critics argue that the DOJ should not be influenced by political agendas, while others believe it must operate under the president’s authority.
The recent wave of resignations within the Department of Justice highlights a growing divide over how the agency should function. At the heart of the issue is whether the DOJ should maintain its independence or align closely with the directives of the president.
Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove made his stance clear during a recent hearing, stating that DOJ employees must support the administration’s mission or consider resigning. Bove remarked, “For those at the Department who are with me in those battles and understand that there are no separate sovereigns in this Executive Branch, we’re going to do great things to make America safe again.”
In response to Bove’s directive, seven prosecutors resigned, including acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Danielle Sassoon. Sassoon expressed in her resignation letter that the decision to dismiss a corruption case was inconsistent with her duty to prosecute without bias. Bove countered by stating that it was not the role of local prosecutors to question decisions made within the DOJ’s chain of command.
Former federal prosecutor Andrew Cherkasky criticized the notion that unelected prosecutors should operate independently of presidential authority. He emphasized, “The depths of the unconstitutionality of such a position is concerning.”
However, some legal experts argue that DOJ lawyers should not be compelled to engage in actions they consider unethical, even if directed by the president. One expert noted, “A president has all sorts of authority to do things that are unethical.”
The resignations are not isolated to the Adams case. Denise Cheung, head of the criminal division in Washington, D.C., and DOJ’s senior ethics official Bradley Weinsheimer also resigned over similar directives.
A letter signed by nearly 900 former federal prosecutors urged current DOJ employees to resist political influences. The letter stated, “Some of you have been ordered to make charging decisions based expressly on considerations other than the facts and the law.”
The debate over the DOJ’s independence versus presidential control continues to stir controversy, with both sides presenting compelling arguments. As the Trump administration seeks to steer the DOJ in a new direction, the agency’s future remains uncertain.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Valerie L Agnew
February 22, 2025 at 7:55 am
Fabulous! Clearly they have bias with Biden
Rick
February 22, 2025 at 8:46 am
The democrats had no problem with how Biden’s doj acted! Now the want to pretend they care! What a bunch of lieing hippocrites they are proving to everyone that they are! Most people with common sense already know that!
Chris Johns
February 22, 2025 at 11:37 am
Rick:
You’re correct, and yes I agree the DOJ should not be aligned with political agendas.
For the past four years, we witnessed the DOJ pressing illegitimate charges, ignoring & covering up crimes related to previous present and his family. If that’s not political agendas, tell me what is?
Boyd P
February 22, 2025 at 2:27 pm
DOJ should be Screened and not biased in any way. Freedom of speech
John
February 22, 2025 at 11:52 am
There’s a new sheriff in town. And thoses who were the hunters? Are now the hunted. And the d.c. cabal rats are running. Cause true justice is coming.
Mike
February 22, 2025 at 6:04 pm
I’m certain ALL branches of the government are to be operating according to the laws of the land. If administrations want something different have the legislative branch alter them or pass new ones. Presidential policies are to be based on laws. The judicial branch is to determine the constitutionality of those laws. This is how we avoid dictatorships.
Boyd P
February 22, 2025 at 2:24 pm
They all should be replaced now
Mike
February 22, 2025 at 5:58 pm
I’m
Maxx
February 22, 2025 at 12:24 pm
Well, isn’t that special ?? During the last four years the DOJ has lead the “weaponization” of the legal system,
the sourt systems, the FBI and even the CIA, which is not supposed to be involved in domestic matters. This all goes back to who leads the DOJ. Under Merrick Garland, obviously an Obama appointment. the DOJ has “gone rogue”. Prosecution of the J6 protestors is just the tip of the iceberg. The blatant and direct collusion with the W.H. and state DA’s and Prosecutors is another example. I could go on and on but you get my point. I firmly believe that every person involved in the “lawfare” politically motivated persecutions of Mr. Trump deserve to be dealt with according to the laws. This was effectively election interference on a whole new level never seen before, legal ethical abuse and malfeasance. All of these precedent setting acts must be severly dealt with.
Boyd P
February 22, 2025 at 2:33 pm
The DOJ should be free of all Bayes and only accurate Freedom of Justy For all People, no matter who They are
Ronald A. West
February 22, 2025 at 10:39 pm
I am so very sad to say that our country and Constitution that I have always loved and been loyal to has lost my respect and loyalty for the much of the Congress, the FBI, the CIA, the deplorable Dept of “Education”, the opportunistic greed, and the scarcity of ethics and morality. I am ashamed of you causing so much hurt to so many of our hopeful and loyal citizens . What’s the matter with you ?!!