Fired key officials in investigation against Trump: crackdown at Justice Department kicks off

Trump returns to power and has those who had worked on criminal investigations against him removed, opening new political and institutional controversies

“You’re fired!” and it’s not an episode of the reality show The Apprentice. With Donald Trump’s return to the presidency of the United States, the Justice Department has been overwhelmed by a series of firings targeting some top officials in past criminal investigations specifically against the New York tycoon. According to sources cited by CNN, the dismissal notices came in the form of letters sent by Acting Attorney General James McHenry.

In the letter, the tone is unequivocal: “The proper functioning of government depends on the trust that senior officials place in their subordinates. Given your involvement in impeaching the president, I do not believe the department’s leadership can trust you to faithfully implement the president’s agenda.” The removal, immediate and without appeal, was justified citing Article II of the U.S. Constitution.

The fired officials would include those who had worked closely with Special Prosecutor Jack Smith. The latter had led high-profile investigations against Trump, leading to two indictments, which were filed, however, shortly before he took office in the White House again and his office was closed with the advent of the new administration.

This internal Justice Department purge marks a clear intention on Trump’s part to remove anyone involved in the investigations that threatened his political career. However, it is not just about dismissals: the administration has also launched new investigations to examine who handled the criminal charges related to the events of January 6, 2021, when a mob of Trump supporters stormed Congress.

The new administration’s moves have already raised strong controversy among Democrats and outside observers, who see them as a direct attack on the independence of the judiciary. For many, these dismissals set a dangerous precedent, turning the Justice Department into a political battleground.

In this context, Trump’s return to power not only reaffirms his control over the Republican Party, but also consolidates his influence over one of the key institutions of American democracy. The future of the U.S. judiciary, and its perceived impartiality, could suffer profound and lasting consequences.

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