In a major announcement on his Truth Social platform, former President Donald Trump declared his intent to overhaul the Department of Justice (DOJ) by firing all U.S. Attorneys appointed during the Biden administration. Framing the move as a battle against what he calls the “Deep State” and politically motivated prosecutions, Trump’s decision signals a sweeping change aimed at reshaping the federal justice system.
Presidential transitions often involve replacing U.S. Attorneys, particularly when control shifts between political parties. However, Trump’s move has ignited intense debate, as it follows years of legal battles and investigations involving both him and his allies. The former president accused the Biden administration of weaponizing the DOJ against him, stating, “Over the past four years, the Department of Justice has been politicized like never before.”
Trump announced that his administration had already begun the termination process for all remaining Biden-era attorneys, asserting that these dismissals were necessary to restore fairness within the justice system. “We must clean house immediately and restore confidence. America’s Golden Age must have a fair Justice System – THAT BEGINS TODAY!” he wrote.
According to reports from Reuters and Newsweek, the White House has already taken action on this directive. In an official communication to U.S. Attorneys who had not yet resigned or been dismissed, the administration reportedly stated, “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.”
Beyond these firings, Trump has taken direct aim at Special Counsel Jack Smith, who had been leading high-profile investigations into his actions. Smith resigned from the DOJ prior to Trump’s return to office, and Trump wasted no time in celebrating his departure. “The stench of Deranged Jack Smith and his thugs is GONE. They were sent packing after spending over $100,000,000, destroying the lives of many people and families, who will never be the same again,” Trump stated.
In another post, Trump further lambasted Smith and his team, characterizing their work as a politically driven “witch hunt” that ultimately failed. “Deranged Jack Smith was fired today by the DOJ. He is a disgrace to himself, his family, and his Country. After spending over $100,000,000 on the Witch Hunt against TRUMP, he left town empty-handed!” Trump wrote.
Alongside Smith’s departure, the administration also removed several Justice Department officials who had been involved in investigations against Trump. A DOJ official, speaking to CBS News, confirmed that Acting Attorney General James McHenry had made the decision to dismiss these officials due to concerns about their ability to implement Trump’s agenda fairly. “Acting Attorney General James McHenry made this decision because he did not believe these officials could be trusted to faithfully implement the president’s agenda because of their significant role in prosecuting the president,” the official stated.
The move to remove Biden-era appointees marks one of Trump’s most aggressive actions in reshaping the justice system. While previous administrations have also dismissed U.S. Attorneys upon taking office, the context surrounding these firings—given Trump’s legal battles and claims of political persecution—adds a new layer of controversy.
Supporters of Trump see this as a necessary step to correct what they view as years of bias and corruption within the DOJ. They argue that under Biden, the department had unfairly targeted Trump and his allies through investigations and prosecutions that were politically motivated. Many conservatives have long voiced concerns about the perceived double standards in the justice system, particularly regarding the treatment of Trump compared to other political figures.
However, critics of Trump’s decision argue that this mass firing is a direct attack on the independence of the Justice Department. They warn that by removing all Biden-era attorneys in one sweep, Trump is setting a precedent that could erode the DOJ’s ability to function as an impartial institution. Some legal experts have expressed concerns that this move could be part of a broader effort to install loyalists who will shield Trump from future legal scrutiny.
As Trump continues his second term, his approach to the DOJ will likely remain a focal point of both political and legal discourse. Whether this decision leads to a fairer justice system or further politicizes law enforcement remains to be seen. For now, Trump has made it clear that he views these firings as a crucial step in reclaiming what he considers to be a justice system that has been used as a weapon against him and his supporters.
With Trump’s aggressive reshaping of the DOJ already underway, the political landscape is set for more battles in the months ahead. The ripple effects of this decision will not only impact those directly involved but could redefine the balance of power in the federal legal system for years to come.