In a sweeping and controversial move, the Trump Justice Department has dismissed at least three prosecutors who were actively involved in January 6-related cases, according to multiple reports confirmed by The Associated Press.
The terminations include two top supervisors in Washington, D.C. who had overseen Capitol riot cases, and a third line attorney assigned to individual prosecutions. Their firing letters were reportedly signed by Attorney General Pam Bondi and offered no explanation—only citing the administration’s Article II constitutional authority.
This latest shake-up follows months of aggressive removals targeting officials tied to Trump-related prosecutions. Back in February, interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin reassigned prosecutors involved in securing convictions of Oath Keepers and Proud Boys leaders. In January, acting Deputy AG Emil Bove terminated over two dozen prosecutors appointed during the Biden administration, accusing them of “subversive personnel actions.”
The Justice Department has yet to comment on the current firings or disclose whether more are imminent. But insiders describe growing tension within the DOJ as Trump allies continue reshaping its structure from the top down.
This comes as President Trump issued over 1,500 pardons for individuals charged in connection with the Capitol attack—ranging from trespassing to seditious conspiracy. Legal experts worry the removal of key prosecutors could stall or permanently derail remaining January 6 investigations, particularly those involving financial networks or outside influence.
Meanwhile, in a separate legal battle, the DOJ filed a lawsuit this week against all 15 federal district court judges in Maryland. The suit challenges a standing order by Chief Judge George L. Russell III which pauses deportations for 48 hours when a habeas petition is filed. The Trump administration calls the ruling “unlawful” and “antidemocratic.”
Russell defended his order as necessary due to the “surge” in late-night and weekend filings that, in his words, had forced “hurried and frustrating hearings.” The DOJ, however, claimed that “a sense of frustration and a desire for convenience do not give license to flout the law.”
Between purging prosecutors and challenging federal judges, the Trump administration is making it clear: this DOJ is being rebuilt from the inside out.