Trump DOJ Appointees Scramble to Exit as Aides Fret Over Careers

Key Points:

• Numerous political appointees at the Justice Department are rapidly resigning due to concerns that their association with Trump's agenda, rejected by voters, will damage their careers, especially after Stephen Miller's promotion to chief of staff.
• Attorney General Todd Blanche described the departures as typical post-midterm transitions, but some forced exits, such as national security head John Eisenberg, were due to performance issues.
• DOJ political appointees are divided between younger MAGA-aligned lawyers embracing the fight against Democratic oversight and more traditional conservatives seeking to leave for private sector opportunities amid fears of reputational and legal risks.
• Concerns are rising about intensified congressional investigations into DOJ actions under Trump, prompting some appointees to consider professional liability insurance and accelerating resignations due to anticipated oversight challenges.
• US attorneys' offices are bracing for a more intense period under Democratic control, with some leaders fearing continued politically motivated prosecutions and the impact on their future careers if investigations intensify.