Donald Trump fires employees involved in probe against him: ‘Could not be trusted’

Several prosecutor were reassigned across divisions as well for being involved in criminal investigations against Trump

Published on: Jan 28, 2025, 06:44:30 IST

By HT News Desk

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The US Justice Department, under Donald Trump, said Monday that it had laid off more than a dozen employees who were involved in criminal investigations against the President, reported news agency PTI.

US President Donald Trump ordered officials involved in criminal investigations against him to be fired (AFP)

The move targeted prosecutors who worked on special counsel Jack Smith's team, who had filed criminal charges against Trump in two separate cases: one in federal district court regarding election interference and a second one regarding retaining classified documents from the White House.

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Jack Smith also resigned from the department on January 10.

An anonymous Justice Department official, confirmed to PTI that the terminations were made by acting Attorney General James McHenry.

The decision to lay off the prosecutors is part of a massive upheaval as power transitions from the Biden to the Trump administration. During the election campaign trail Trump had vowed to fire those officials in government who were deemed disloyal to him or had opposed him.

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Attorney General James McHenry, who was appointed by Trump, stated that those who were fired "could not be trusted to faithfully implement the President’s agenda because of their significant role in prosecuting the President," reported Reuters quoting a Justice Department official.

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The Trump administration also reassigned up to 20 senior Justice Department officials across divisions, including Bradley Weinsheimer, the top ethics official, and the former chief of the public corruption section, Corey Amundson.

Amundson also announced his resignation on Monday.

Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general, Pam Bondi, also said at her confirmation hearing this month that she would not play politics but did not rule out the potential for investigations into Trump's opponents such as Jack Smith.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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