Trump-Appointed US Attorneys Asked To Quit

The Justice Department asked Trump-appointed US attorneys to hand in their resignations by February 28. A total of 56, Senate-confirmed US Attorneys have until the end of the month to resign.

RELATED: Justice Department Aims to Cut Federal Funding for Cities That Allowed Riots

Seamless Transition

In a statement, acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson said the DOJ will ensure a seamless transition. “Until US Attorney nominees are confirmed, the interim and acting leaders in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices will make sure that the department continues to accomplish its critical law enforcement mission, vigorously defend the rule of law, and pursue the fair and impartial administration of justice for all,” he added.

Earlier, the Justice Department said that nearly all Trump-appointed US attorneys offered to quit. However, they had to temporarily remain in place until the transition got sorted. Right now, only about a third of all US Attorneys’ offices have acting or interim leaderships. But, the DOJ said that President Joe Biden will soon announce an update on the Senate nominations.

Hunter Biden Investigation

US Attorneys will need to start transitioning out of their roles. However, there are exceptions, including Delaware US Attorney  David Weiss.  He will remain and continue overseeing Hunter Biden's federal tax investigation. Meanwhile, Senator Lindsey Graham (SC) urged Wilkinson to stay away from Durham’s ongoing investigation. 

At the least, Wilkinson should let the Biden case go on until the Senate processes the nomination of the new AG. Biden appointed Judge Merrick Garland as the new Attorney General pending Senate confirmation. Hunter Biden, the presidential son, is a subject or target of a grand jury investigation. 

Maintaining Independence

In addition, John Durham, the Connecticut US attorney, will resign from his post. But, he will stay on as special counsel for the Trump-Russia probe. The 4-year investigation aims to establish former president Donald Trump's alleged Russian ties.  

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that Durham and Weiss will stay. Their extended tour of duties fulfills Biden's promise to maintain independence.

Capitol Riots

In addition,  Justice wants acting US attorney for DC Michael Sherwin to move. From his district assignment, Sherwin will move to a federal position. Plus, the DOJ plans on Sherwin to act as a special prosecutor overseeing the January 6 Capitol riots.

Currently, the Feds charged more than 150 people in connection with the Capitol riots. Sherwin vowed to apply the maximum charges based on each individual's conduct.

Resignations

Puerto Rico is the latest to submit a voluntary resignation. US Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announced his resignation effective February 28. “I am extremely proud of the great work and dedication of the men and women of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico with whom I have had the privilege to serve. While I will continue in the office in the coming weeks, serving the people of Puerto Rico as U.S. Attorney has been the highest honor and most fulfilling duty in my more than 30 years of public service,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Illinois Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin said they felt left out. Biden should have consulted with them before accepting the resignation of John Lausch. The US Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Lausch will leave by month's end. “While the President has the right to remove US Attorneys, there is precedent for US Attorneys in the Northern District of Illinois to remain in office to conclude sensitive investigations. We believe Mr. Lausch should be permitted to continue in his position until his successor is confirmed by the Senate, and we urge the Biden Administration to allow him to do so,” they wrote in a joint statement.

Watch the Fox News video reporting that the Department of Justice will ask many Trump-era US Attorneys to resign:

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