White House Removes Top Federal Prosecutors In DOJ Overhaul
The White House has dismissed multiple U.S. attorneys in a sweeping move affecting the Justice Department, an unusual step that typically falls under the authority of the DOJ rather than the president’s direct order. The number of attorneys impacted remains unclear, but reports indicate at least a dozen terminations occurred Wednesday evening.
Among those dismissed was Tara McGrath, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California, who received a notice from the White House confirming her removal. Other affected prosecutors include Erek L. Barron of Maryland, Dena J. King of the Western District of North Carolina, and Tessa Gorman of the Western District of Washington. These individuals were all Biden nominees who had been confirmed by the Senate or appointed under previous DOJ leadership.
93 federal prosecutors just opened their email to this: pic.twitter.com/LdozagyN8e
— Randy Bush (@randy270281) February 13, 2025
A letter from Trent Morse, deputy director of the Office of Presidential Personnel, was reportedly sent to at least one of the dismissed attorneys, stating, “At the direction of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as U.S. Attorney is terminated, effective immediately.”
President Trump has FIRED all federal prosecutors appointed by Biden. Too bad we can't get rid of Obama lawyer from Texas House! #txlege pic.twitter.com/CZ03kL2YOq
— Abraham George 🇺🇸 (@abrahamgeorge) February 13, 2025
Typically, transitions in U.S. attorneys are handled through the Justice Department rather than the White House directly. Under past administrations, new presidents requested resignations from politically appointed prosecutors, providing them time to exit their roles. The sudden firings mark a significant departure from that precedent.
What’s that? Trump fired ALL federal prosecutors?
Turn it up! “YMCA!” pic.twitter.com/H9foyTZU9i— KerryO-akaGypsy1776 (@oneilkagypsy) February 13, 2025
The shake-up comes amid broader changes at the DOJ since Trump took office, including mass pardons for January 6 defendants and the appointment of an advocate for those convicted as interim U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C. The administration has also sought lists of FBI employees who investigated Capitol-related cases, raising speculation about further restructuring within federal law enforcement.
While the full scope of the terminations remains uncertain, the impact on federal prosecutions, particularly cases tied to politically charged investigations, is expected to be significant.