Key Takeaways:
- The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has seen a significant decline in employment, with over 5,500 lawyers and non-lawyers leaving since Trump took office.
- The department’s priorities have shifted to focus on MAGA agendas, such as cracking down on illegal immigrants, and pursuing Trump’s perceived enemies.
- The civil rights division has lost 70% of its lawyers and staff, and the voting section has been reduced to less than half of its original size.
- The DoJ’s ability to investigate and prosecute public corruption has been deliberately weakened, with the public integrity section shrinking from 30 lawyers to just two.
- Experts warn that the purges and weaponization of the DoJ will have serious repercussions for public safety, national security, and the rule of law.
Introduction to the DoJ Crisis
The US Department of Justice (DoJ) is facing a crisis of unprecedented proportions. Under the leadership of Attorney General Pam Bondi and President Donald Trump, the department has undergone a significant transformation, with a focus on retribution against political foes, fulfilling MAGA goals, and granting pardons to allies. This has resulted in a mass exodus of experienced lawyers and staff, with over 5,500 departures since Trump took office. The data compiled by the nonpartisan Justice Connection highlights the sharp drop in DoJ resources, with the department employing only about 10,000 attorneys last year, according to DoJ data.
The Purge of Experienced Attorneys
The revamping of the department has led to the ousting of many attorneys deemed anti-Trump, including about 20 who worked on the prosecutions of the mob who stormed the Capitol on January 6. The departure of veteran prosecutors has been particularly significant, with the civil rights division losing 70% of its lawyers and staff. The voting section has also been reduced to less than half of its original size, with the number of lawyers going from about 30 to less than 15. The loss of experienced attorneys has been felt across the department, with many expressing concerns about the impact on public safety and national security.
The Shift in Priorities
The DoJ’s priorities have shifted significantly under Trump and Bondi, with a focus on pursuing MAGA agendas, such as cracking down on illegal immigrants. This has left key areas, such as civil rights and national security, strapped for resources. The department’s aggressive crackdown on illegal immigrants has been particularly notable, with many critics arguing that it has come at the expense of more pressing concerns. The shift in priorities has also been reflected in the department’s handling of high-profile cases, with many arguing that the DoJ is now more focused on exacting revenge on Trump’s perceived enemies than on upholding the law.
The Impact on National Security
The loss of experienced attorneys and the shift in priorities have had a significant impact on national security. The eastern district of Virginia, which has been a leader in investigating white-collar and national security crimes, has been particularly affected. The ousting of US Attorney Erik Siebert and the appointment of novice prosecutor Lindsey Halligan have led to the firings and resignations of several veteran lawyers, including Michael Ben’Ary, a 20-year veteran in national security. The departure of experienced investigators and prosecutors has raised concerns about the department’s ability to disrupt acts of violent extremism and protect national security.
The Decimation of the Civil Rights Division
The civil rights division has been particularly hard hit, with 70% of its lawyers and staff leaving since Trump took office. The division’s leader, Harmeet Dhillon, has publicly stated that the division has had a surge of applications, but only about a dozen positions have been filled to date. The core workstreams of the division, including protecting minority voting rights and civil investigations of law enforcement misconduct, have largely ground to a halt. The reversal or abandonment of resolutions of cases initiated under prior administrations has also been a concern, with many arguing that it will lead to a resurgence of unlawful discrimination and constitutional violations.
The Weaponization of the DoJ
The DoJ’s weaponization under Trump and Bondi has been a major concern, with many arguing that the department is now being used as a tool for political revenge. The granting of pardons to over 1,500 MAGA allies who were convicted or charged for their roles in the Capitol attack has been particularly notable. The department’s aggressive pursuit of Trump’s perceived enemies, including former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, has also raised concerns about the department’s independence and impartiality.
The Future of the DoJ
The future of the DoJ looks bleak, with many experts warning that the purges and weaponization of the department will have serious repercussions for public safety, national security, and the rule of law. The loss of experienced attorneys and the shift in priorities will take years to rebuild, and the department’s ability to investigate and prosecute public corruption has been deliberately weakened. The DoJ’s historic mission to uphold the law and protect the American people has been perverted, and it will take a significant effort to restore the department to its former glory. As Philip Lacovara, who served as counsel to the Watergate special prosecutor, noted, "The effectiveness of federal law enforcement depends on the accumulated expertise and institutional memory of thousands of lawyers and investigators who have been sacked or diverted to chasing political enemies down partisan rabbit holes."
