According to over 900 former federal prosecutors, the Trump administration may decide to eliminate the division of the United States Department of Justice that is responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases of government corruption.
In an open letter that was published on Monday, hundreds of former United States Attorneys, Assistant United States Attorneys, and less prominent lawyers issued a warning about something that is unfolding at the Department of Justice that is not totally dissimilar to a sea change.
“Career federal prosecutors” of current stock and recent vintage are the recipients of the rather brief letter, which is directed to individuals who have resigned since the 47th president took office earlier this year. It would appear that the letter is a remark on the scandal that has arisen as a result of the decision to drop charges against Eric Adams, the Mayor of New York City, who is a Democrat.
In the wake of that decision, a number of high-ranking officials inside the Department of Justice submitted their resignation letters. Among those who did so was Danielle Sassoon, who had previously served as the interim United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
Although the former top federal law enforcement official in the Big Apple did not include her name on the list, those who did imply that the continuing, widely publicized, and heavily condemned Adams imbroglio is just the beginning of the situation.
“Some of you have been ordered to make charging decisions based expressly on considerations other than the facts and the law, including to serve solely political purposes,” the letter states. “This includes the opportunity to serve solely political purposes.”
According to the letter, the former prosecutors assert that “someone’s political association, activities, or beliefs” never had any impact on the choices regarding charges made by the Department of Justice during the time that they were employed by the department. This time period extends all the way back to the 1950s and continues up until virtually what is happening right now.
“We knew it was impermissible to treat a defendant more leniently simply because they were powerful or well-connected, or more harshly because they were not,” the letter continues. “We knew it was not acceptable to do either of those things.” “We were taught to pursue justice without fear or favor, and we were aware that only the facts and the law should be considered when making decisions regarding whether or not to investigate and file charges.”
Naturally, the Trump administration does not have the same awareness of the atmosphere that existed at the Department of Justice (DOJ) during the time that Joe Biden was serving as president, which is also the time when the federal charges against Adams were filed.
As part of his notably harsh letter accepting Sassoon’s resignation, Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove referred to the Adams case as “a politically motivated prosecution.” In addition, Bove criticized Sassoon and other SDNY alumni for “politicization” in a number of other instances.
The non-political “values” of the Department of Justice, on the other hand, “have been tested by recent actions of the Department’s leadership,” according to the former prosecutors who testified about the matter.
It is important to note that former special counsel Jack Smith is one of the individuals who have signed the open letter.
In spite of the fact that the letter does not trace its words to any particular occurrence, it is abundantly evident that the “alarm” that is being experienced is a consequence of the choices that have been made by those who are currently in charge in Washington, District of Columbia.
The following is an excerpt from the letter: “We knew these values were more than just requirements in a manual; they were foundational to a fair and just legal system.” “And we upheld them regardless of who was our President,” she said.
A minimum of seven prosecutors resigned from their positions as the controversy surrounding the Adams incident continued to escalate. And then, with no intention of leaving, additional attorneys from the State Department of New York simply refused to sign their names on the necessary documents that would have made it possible for the case to be officially dismissed.
According to reports, Bove arranged a meeting with the surviving attorneys in the Public Integrity Section on Valentine’s Day. During the meeting, Bove reportedly threatened to fire each and every one of them unless someone offered to act as the attorney of record when the Adams case began to wane. Eventually, Senior Litigation Counsel Edward Sullivan put his signature on the request on behalf of the company.
A clear reference is made in the open letter to the danger that such mass firings pose, as well as the potential consequences that they may bring about.
“Some of you have been forced to consider whether your actions will result in the elimination of the Public Integrity Section, which was created in the wake of the Watergate scandal and whose vital work is intended to protect the public from government corruption,” the letter continues. “That section was created in order to protect the public from corruption in government.” “Several of you have resigned, and others are wondering what will happen to the Department that we have served and looked up to,” the speaker said.
Despite the fact that it does not contain any tangible evidence in support of its claims, the document can also be interpreted as a statement that outlines ideals and communicates togetherness.
It concludes with the following [emphasis in original]:
We would want to convey the following message to each and every one of you: We salute and admire the bravery that many of you have already demonstrated, and we hope that this will serve as a guiding principle for you as you continue to serve the interests of justice. In accordance with the highest standards of the Department of Justice, you have reacted to ethical problems of a nature that no public servant should ever be compelled to confront with principle and conviction. In spite of the fact that we are aware that there may be further obstacles in the future, we are confident that those of you who continue to serve will continue to protect the ideals of the Department for the sake of the rule of law, just as you have always done. Know that when you do, generations of former federal prosecutors are watching with pride and admiration, and they are standing ready to assist you in your honorable endeavor. Please be aware of this.
