Federal prosecutors deeply involved in cases targeting former President Donald Trump and the January 6 Capitol riots are reportedly leaving the Department of Justice (DOJ) in record numbers. The departures come amid fears of political retaliation under Trump’s anticipated second term, with prosecutors worried about personal liability and potential financial ruin.
The exodus has been fueled by growing concerns among Justice Department lawyers and investigators who worked on politically charged cases, such as the special counsel investigations into Trump and the high-profile prosecutions of hundreds of Capitol rioters. Many fear these cases may now expose them to retaliation, both professionally and financially, should Trump or his allies regain control of the DOJ.
The Wall Street Journal recently revealed that career prosecutors are grappling with difficult choices about whether to remain in government service. Several fear the incoming administration might target them as part of its broader plan to restructure the DOJ. President-elect Trump and his advisors have openly discussed the possibility of firing key career employees and consolidating control over the department.
Jack Smith, the special counsel leading two criminal cases against Trump, has seen members of his legal team brace for potential fallout. According to Rolling Stone, many prosecutors under Smith are already reviewing personal and professional communications, possibly in anticipation of subpoenas. Some have even sought legal advice to protect their families and assets from potential investigations launched by a revamped DOJ under Trump.
The uncertainty has triggered a wave of resignations and an unprecedented flood of résumés to private law firms, according to industry insiders. Steve Nelson, a prominent legal recruiter, confirmed that this transition period has affected not just political appointees but also career employees at an unusual scale.
“Typically, presidential transitions cause some upheaval,” Nelson noted. “But this time, it’s different. Career DOJ employees are deeply concerned about what’s coming next.”
Attorney General Merrick Garland and other senior officials have reportedly encouraged department lawyers to remain, emphasizing the importance of continuity and their expertise. However, fears of “revenge probes” appear to outweigh these assurances, as Trump’s allies continue to signal sweeping changes.
Trump has not shied away from discussing his plans to hold individuals accountable for what he has called the “weaponization” of the DOJ. He has pledged to overhaul the department, with speculation mounting about potential investigations into Biden administration officials and those who played a role in cases against Trump.
Jack Smith’s team, for example, is reportedly taking precautionary measures as Trump’s rhetoric intensifies. Rolling Stone reported that some federal investigators are exploring extreme steps to safeguard their spouses’ assets in case of criminal charges or financial penalties.
Smith, who brought two major cases against Trump—one involving classified documents and another connected to January 6—recently requested to dismiss both cases. Critics speculate the move might be a preemptive attempt to shield his team from future legal and political repercussions.
Legal experts and white-collar attorneys across Washington have confirmed they’ve received an influx of calls from worried DOJ staff. These employees are seeking advice on how to navigate potential legal challenges if Trump’s administration aggressively pursues perceived adversaries.
“One former senior White House official said aides inside the White House and across various federal agencies are intensely worried about the possibility of being prosecuted by Trump’s DOJ,” a CNN report noted.
Concerns about financial ruin are particularly acute among junior DOJ staff and investigators, some of whom have sought counsel on bankruptcy risks and asset protection.
The Justice Department’s upheaval highlights the fragile state of the nation’s legal and political institutions. Critics argue that Trump’s plans could further politicize the DOJ, while supporters see it as a necessary step to restore fairness and accountability.
The looming crisis also underscores the personal toll on career public servants caught in the crossfire of politically charged cases. For many prosecutors, the fear of retribution extends beyond their careers, affecting their families and long-term financial stability.
As Inauguration Day approaches, the DOJ’s landscape remains uncertain. The department will likely face legal and political battles under Trump’s renewed leadership, especially as he seeks to fulfill campaign promises of rooting out corruption. Whether the exodus of experienced DOJ personnel will hinder its ability to function effectively remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, the resignation wave serves as a stark reminder of the intense pressures facing career public servants, particularly in a hyper-partisan environment where legal decisions are often scrutinized through a political lens.
The nation will be watching closely to see how the DOJ adapts to these unprecedented challenges and whether Trump’s plans for a dramatic overhaul will materialize—or face significant legal and institutional resistance.
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