On February 18, President Donald Trump announced that he has directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to terminate all remaining U.S. attorneys appointed by former President Joe Biden.
Trump framed the move as a necessary step to “clean house” and restore public confidence in the justice system.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump accused the DOJ of being “politicized like never before” under Biden’s leadership.
He declared that America’s justice system must be fair and free from political bias, emphasizing that his administration is taking immediate action to achieve that goal.
This decision follows last week’s termination notices sent to several U.S. attorneys across the country.
While it is customary for a new administration to replace U.S. attorneys, Trump’s approach is seen as more direct and aggressive than usual.
U.S. attorneys are the chief federal prosecutors in their respective districts and play a critical role in law enforcement. There are 93 U.S. attorneys across 94 judicial districts.
Historically, incoming presidents have requested resignations rather than issuing termination orders.
The sweeping nature of Trump’s decision marks a significant shift in handling DOJ transitions.
- Mass Termination: Trump ordered the removal of all remaining Biden-era U.S. attorneys, a move he says is necessary to depoliticize the DOJ.
- Unusual Approach: While presidents typically replace U.S. attorneys, Trump’s directive is more forceful compared to past transitions.
- DOJ Shake-Up: Several high-ranking officials have already resigned or been reassigned since Trump took office.
- Impact on Ongoing Cases: The removal of federal prosecutors could affect ongoing investigations and prosecutions initiated under Biden’s DOJ.
The DOJ has not issued an official response to Trump’s directive
However, the move is expected to spark debate over the independence of the Justice Department and the handling of politically sensitive cases.
The replacements for the terminated attorneys will be closely watched as Trump continues his efforts to reshape the federal justice system.
Clark is a 26-year-old expert working for consumer protection, Clark has dedicated years to identifying and exposing fraudulent schemes. He is working with NGOs to help people who are victims of scams. In his free time, Todd plays football or goes to a bar.