Over 4,000 DOJ Employees Resign Amid Allegations of 'Weaponization' by Current Administration

Former U.S. Attorney Barb McQuade recently highlighted severe concerns over the independence of the Department of Justice (DOJ), sharing a New York Times article alleging its transformation into a politically motivated entity. A former insider quoted in the article stated, "> “I wouldn’t even call it the Justice Department anymore. It’s become Trump’s personal law firm. … [T]he American people should be enraged.” This sentiment reflects growing alarm among legal experts and former officials regarding the department's impartiality.

The allegations stem from widespread concerns that the DOJ has been weaponized to target political adversaries and protect allies of the current administration. Critics point to a significant erosion of post-Watergate norms designed to ensure the department's independence from White House influence. This perceived shift, according to various reports, has led to a crisis within the agency, with thousands of career professionals departing.

Reports indicate that approximately 4,000 of the DOJ's 115,000 employees have resigned, and over 200 have been fired, signaling deep internal dissent. Specific instances cited include the indictments of former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, which followed public calls for their prosecution by the president. Legal scholars and former federal officials have described these actions as an "utter dismantling" of established rules.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has faced scrutiny for her role in these developments, with Democratic lawmakers accusing her of "brazenly political" decision-making. Figures like Ed Martin, reportedly placed in charge of a "weaponization working group," have further fueled concerns with public statements about targeting perceived enemies. Over 100 former DOJ officials have filed an amicus brief, arguing that Comey's prosecution was "vindictive" and violated departmental policies.

Legal experts, including those from the American Bar Association, have expressed alarm over the apparent use of federal prosecutorial power for partisan ends, calling it an "affront to the rule of law." This trend, they contend, risks long-term damage to the integrity of the U.S. justice system and undermines public trust in its impartiality. The situation draws parallels to the Nixon era, with critics noting the current actions are occurring "in broad daylight."