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 by Democratic President Joe Biden, signaling a move to ensure officials align with the new leadership’s directives.
In an email, the deputy director for the White House’s 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.”
Although it was unclear whether every U.S. Attorney on the list received official termination notices, several prosecutors from Maryland to Seattle have stepped down from their roles.
Both current and former Justice Department attorneys noted that while it is routine for U.S. Attorneys to leave their posts following a shift in presidential administration, the usual approach involves the new administration requesting resignations rather than issuing abrupt termination letters.
As of Wednesday, over two dozen U.S. Attorneys appointed by Biden were still in office. By Thursday, statements from their offices confirmed at least three were still employed.
The White House did not issue a response, and multiple inquiries directed to the U.S. Department of Justice remained unanswered.
Among those dismissed was U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath of San Diego, who had been appointed by Biden. Her office reported late Wednesday that she had received notification of her termination from the White House, which also expressed gratitude for her service.
Another Biden-appointed official, U.S. Attorney Erek Barron of Maryland, sent a farewell email to his colleagues shortly after the termination notices were distributed, stating that his time in office “has come to an end.”
“It has been an honor to lead such a talented and dedicated team,” Barron wrote in the email, according to a copy reviewed by Reuters. He later confirmed his departure in a LinkedIn post on Thursday.
In an emailed statement, Ismail Ramsey, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California, also announced that he had “concluded his leadership” of the office.
Additionally, a spokesperson for the Seattle-based U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed Thursday that Tessa Gorman had stepped down at the president’s request. Gorman had initially taken on the role on an interim basis, appointed first by former U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and later by judges in the Western District of Washington.
Late Wednesday, Dena King, Biden’s appointee as the top federal prosecutor for the Western District of North Carolina, also announced her resignation.