White House Sends Termination Letters To Some Biden-Appointed US Attorneys
President Donald Trump’s administration issued termination notices to multiple U.S. Attorneys across the country who had been appointed under Democratic President Joe Biden. This action was taken as part of an effort to remove officials who might not comply with the new administration’s directives.
An email obtained by Reuters revealed that the White House’s deputy director for the office of presidential personnel informed recipients, “At the direction of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as U.S. Attorney is terminated, effective immediately.”
While it was unclear whether every U.S. Attorney received these termination notices, several had already resigned, spanning locations from Seattle to Maryland.
According to current and former Justice Department officials, it is routine for U.S. Attorneys to step down when a new president takes office. However, it is more customary for the incoming administration to request resignations rather than issuing abrupt termination letters.
As of Wednesday, more than two dozen U.S. Attorneys appointed by Biden were still in their roles. By Thursday, at least three remained employed, according to statements from their respective offices.
The White House did not provide a response, and multiple inquiries directed at the U.S. Department of Justice went unanswered.
One of those dismissed was U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath of San Diego, a Biden appointee. Her office confirmed late Wednesday that she had received notice of her termination from the White House, which also expressed gratitude for her service.
Another Biden appointee, U.S. Attorney Erek Barron of Maryland, sent a farewell email to his office soon after the termination notices were distributed, saying that his time in the role “has come to an end.”
“It has been an honor to lead such a talented and dedicated team,” Barron wrote in his message, which was reviewed by Reuters. On Thursday, he confirmed his departure in a LinkedIn post.
In an emailed statement, Ismail Ramsey, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California, also acknowledged that he had “concluded his leadership” in the position.
A spokesperson for her office confirmed on Thursday that Seattle-based U.S. Attorney Tessa Gorman had resigned at the president’s request. Gorman was originally appointed on an interim basis by then-U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland before being formally appointed by judges in the Western District of Washington.
Additionally, Biden-appointed U.S. Attorney Dena King, who served as the top federal prosecutor for the Western District of North Carolina, announced her resignation late Wednesday.