Key Takeaways
- The Justice Department has seen a significant wave of firings, resignations, and retirements, with over 5,000 employees leaving since January.
- Former Justice Department employees are curating a public online display of farewell messages from ousted employees, warning of a threat to democracy and a crumbling of norms and standards in federal prosecutions.
- The farewell messages express fears about the trajectory of the Justice Department and the impact of the purge on the rule of law and the rights of marginalized people.
- Some of the messages are from high-profile department leaders, including Maurene Comey, who was fired this year and is the daughter of former FBI Director James Comey.
- The online display of farewell messages serves as a record of the experiences of those who have left the Justice Department and a warning about the dangers of a hostile and toxic work environment.
Introduction to the Justice Department Purge
The Justice Department has been experiencing a significant wave of firings, resignations, and retirements, with over 5,000 employees leaving since January. This has led to a growing concern about the impact on the department’s ability to function effectively and uphold the rule of law. In response, a group of former Justice Department employees, known as Justice Connection, has organized an online display of farewell messages from ousted employees. These messages provide a unique insight into the experiences of those who have left the department and offer a warning about the dangers of a hostile and toxic work environment.
The Farewell Messages
The farewell messages posted online are a mix of emotions, ranging from sadness and frustration to anger and fear. Many of the messages express concerns about the trajectory of the Justice Department and the impact of the purge on the rule of law and the rights of marginalized people. For example, Maurene Comey, a former New York-based federal prosecutor, wrote, "If a career prosecutor can be fired without reason, fear may seep into the decisions of those who remain…. Do not let that happen." Her message highlights the fear that many employees have about the consequences of speaking out against the administration’s actions.
High-Profile Departures
Some of the farewell messages are from high-profile department leaders, who have spoken out about their fears and concerns about the direction of the Justice Department. Hagan Scotten, who resigned from the office of the U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York, left a blistering farewell letter to his teammates, criticizing the intervention of Justice Department leaders in the office’s criminal prosecution of New York City Mayor Eric Adams. His message is a powerful example of the impact of the purge on the department’s ability to function independently and uphold the rule of law.
Personal Stories of Departure
Other farewell messages are more personal, sharing the stories of individuals who have been affected by the purge. Patty Hartman, who was fired from her communications position in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Washington, D.C., told CBS News that she wanted to share her goodbye message with her team because her firing was unexpected and abrupt. Her message highlights the human impact of the purge, which has left many employees feeling shocked, angry, and disillusioned.
Impact on the Rule of Law
The farewell messages also highlight the impact of the purge on the rule of law and the rights of marginalized people. Michael Romano, a prosecutor who handled some Jan. 6 prosecutions, noted his work on Capitol insurrection cases when he resigned in March. His message emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law, even in the face of adversity. Meredith Burrell, a former civil rights office attorney, wrote, "We were entrusted with the serious responsibility of engaging the power of the federal government to use the rule of law to vindicate the rights of marginalized people… I am still processing the contrast between those 25 years and the last four months." Her message highlights the sense of loss and disillusionment that many employees feel about the direction of the Justice Department.
Tributes to Colleagues and Law Enforcement
Not all the farewell messages are critical of the Justice Department or the administration. Some are tributes to colleagues and law enforcement, expressing gratitude and admiration for their work. Greg Rosen, who resigned in May after serving as the head of the unit that prosecuted Capitol riot cases, wrote, "To those who partnered with me on the January 6 investigation and prosecution: you represent the highest ideals of our nation—unwavering in your commitment to the rule of law and the peaceful transfer of power." His message is a powerful tribute to the dedication and professionalism of law enforcement officers and prosecutors.
Conclusion
The online display of farewell messages from ousted Justice Department employees is a powerful testament to the impact of the purge on the department and the country. The messages express a range of emotions, from sadness and frustration to anger and fear, and highlight the concerns about the trajectory of the Justice Department and the impact on the rule of law and the rights of marginalized people. As the country continues to grapple with the consequences of the purge, these messages serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all Americans.