Summary
President Donald Trump's administration has seen many Justice Department lawyers fired or resign, including Michael Ben'Ary, a longtime prosecutor. The departures have reduced experience at the department and happened during a time when President Trump is pushing for actions against political opponents.
Key Facts
- Michael Ben'Ary, a Justice Department prosecutor, was informed of his firing while checking his phone at a red light.
- President Trump had mentioned Ben'Ary's work on a counterterrorism case in a speech to Congress.
- Ben'Ary was not given a clear reason for his dismissal, which came after right-wing commentary linked him to a Democratic administration official.
- Over 230 Justice Department employees were reportedly fired last year, with many resigning voluntarily amidst political pressures.
- The departures include prosecutors handling significant cases, such as the Jan. 6 Capitol attacks and immigration cases.
- Pam Bondi, the attorney general under President Trump, has been noted for overseeing numerous firings in her first year.
- The Justice Department claims it has hired new lawyers to fill these positions.
