Biden Admin Asks for Resignation of Trump-Appointed Federal Prosecutors - Do You Support the Move?

by Causes | 2.9.21

What’s the story?

• The Biden administration this week officially began the process of requesting the resignation of U.S. attorneys appointed by former President Donald Trump and replacing them with Biden appointees. However, there are a pair of notable exceptions to the Biden administration’s request. 
• Special Counsel John Durham, who is investigating the origins of the Russia collusion probe, will continue to serve as a special counsel, although he will eventually resign as a U.S. attorney for Connecticut. 
• U.S. Attorney David Weiss, the lead federal prosecutor in Delaware, has reportedly been asked to remain in his post to avoid any disruptions in the ongoing investigation into Hunter Biden’s tax affairs. Unlike Durham, Weiss was not designated as a special counsel by former Attorney General Bill Barr.
• This transition process occurs routinely when control of the White House transfers from one party to the other and new presidents remove the prosecutors appointed by their predecessors, although the pace of departures may vary between administrations.
• According to the DOJ, about one-third of the 93 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices were already led by acting or interim leadership, and nearly all Trump-appointed prosecutors have offered their resignation.
• Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson released a statement which read:

“We are committed to ensuring a seamless transition. Until U.S. Attorney nominees are confirmed, the interim and acting leaders in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices will make sure that the department continues to accomplish its critical law enforcement mission, vigorously defend the rule of law and pursue the fair and impartial administration of justice for all.”

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff via Flickr / Public Domain)