Justice Department Will Seek Resignations From All But Two Trump Appointed U.S. Attorneys

Topline

The Justice Department will seek the resignation of all the U.S. attorneys appointed by former President Donald Trump barring two exceptions, CNN first reported on Monday night, in a mostly routine move as the Biden administration prepares to initiate the transition process at the department that had been marred by accusations of political interference under Trump.

Key Facts

Key Background

The Justice Department’s actions are seen as a mostly routine move since U.S. attorneys are political appointees. In 2017, former Attorney General Jeff Sessions asked 46 U.S. attorneys—who were holdovers from the Obama administration—to submit their resignations. While some of them were allowed to remain for a brief period, most had to leave immediately. At present, 25 of the 94 U.S. attorneys serving across the country are currently in acting positions after some Trump-era appointees resigned ahead of President Biden’s inauguration.

Tangent

Biden has picked Merrick Garland to serve as his attorney general, but he is yet to be confirmed by the senate. Garland’s confirmation hearing was expected to begin on Monday, but was delayed by Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.), the senior most Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Graham has said he needs time to question Garland about ongoing investigations.

Further Reading

DOJ to ask Trump-appointed US attorneys to resign (CNN)

Biden’s Justice Department to ask nearly all Trump-era U.S. attorneys to resign (NBC News)