New leadership at the Justice Department has initiated a series of reassignments affecting at least 20 career officials, redirecting them from their longstanding senior-level roles, as reported by sources familiar with the matter. This move comes amidst the department's historical clashes with President Donald Trump, particularly in light of two criminal cases filed against him.
The reassignments have notably impacted key divisions within the DOJ headquarters in Washington. Senior lawyers in the criminal and national security divisions, as well as prosecutors specializing in international affairs, have been among those sidelined. Some seasoned career prosecutors have been instructed to join a new task force, prompting speculation that this maneuver aims to encourage their departure from the department.
It is worth noting that federal civil service regulations typically safeguard career employees at the Justice Department from reassignments for a minimum of 120 days following a change in leadership. However, the current administration appears to be interpreting this rule differently due to the acting status of the attorney general and deputy attorney general, pending the confirmation of the attorney general nominee.
Meanwhile, significant changes have also taken place in key US Attorney offices, particularly in New York and Washington, DC. In the District of Columbia, Ed Martin, a staunch conservative figure associated with the 'Stop the Steal' movement, has assumed the role of acting US attorney. In the Eastern District of New York, John Durham, a seasoned prosecutor known for his involvement in investigating the origins of the FBI's probe into Trump's 2016 campaign, has been appointed as interim US attorney. Additionally, Danielle Sassoon has been designated as the interim head of the Southern District of New York, having previously played a pivotal role in prosecuting high-profile cases.
These developments have raised concerns within the legal community and may potentially lead to challenges before the Merit Systems Protection Board, an entity tasked with safeguarding civil servants from political repercussions during transitions of power.
