Washington, DC [US]: The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed several prosecutors involved in criminal investigations concerning former President Donald Trump, according to sources cited by CNN. Acting Attorney General James McHenry justified the decision in a letter, asserting that these officials could not be “trusted” to implement the President’s agenda faithfully.
McHenry highlighted the prosecutors’ involvement in cases against Trump, stating, “You played a significant role in prosecuting President Trump. The proper functioning of government critically depends on the trust superior officials place in their subordinates.”
The firings coincide with efforts by the Trump administration to scrutinize prosecutors who pursued obstruction charges against January 6 defendants. Interim US Attorney Ed Martin has initiated a probe into cases involving charges under US Code 1512(c), following a Supreme Court ruling last summer that limited federal prosecutors’ authority to levy such charges.
The Investigation
In an internal memo, Martin labeled the review a “special project,” requiring attorneys to submit all records related to the 1512 charges. He described the Supreme Court decision as a “great failure” of the DOJ’s efforts and urged accountability.
The shakeup follows a series of reassignments within the DOJ, including the dismissal of cases against Trump related to alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
Prosecutor Concerns
Former prosecutors involved in January 6 cases have expressed concern over the new probe, suggesting it may signal the beginning of an “investigation of the investigators.” Some prosecutors have reportedly retained legal counsel in response.
A former prosecutor told CNN, “We are unsure if this investigation aims to introduce criminal or civil charges, but it appears to be retaliation for pursuing cases against Trump’s interests.”
Political Context
Ed Martin, appointed last week, has praised Trump’s issuance of mass pardons for January 6 defendants. These developments come amidst heightened scrutiny of the DOJ’s independence and its handling of politically charged cases.
Further details about the probe and its implications are awaited