Biden and his son Hunter attend an event together in Washington on April 12, 2016
Biden began a purge of the justice system after taking office, demanding on Feb. 9 the resignation of all Trump-appointed U.S. attorneys, with the exception of David Weiss, who is investigating Hunter Biden’s tax problems, according to comprehensive U.S. media reports. Biden’s tax investigation prosecutor David Weiss (David Weiss).
Justice Department officials told Reuters that another retained appointee is John Durham, the special prosecutor appointed by former Attorney General Barr to investigate the source of Russia-gate, but he will resign from his post as U.S. attorney for Connecticut.
A law enforcement official told Reuters that the Justice Department is also expected to ask Michael Sherwin, the acting prosecutor in charge of the District of Columbia, who is handling all prosecutions related to the Jan. 6 incident at the Capitol, to stay on.
Fox News said 56 federal prosecutors must resign by Feb. 28.
The Washington Post said the Biden Administration‘s move drew bipartisan criticism.
Two Illinois Democratic senators, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Durbin and Duckworth, issued a joint statement saying they were “disappointed” that the administration was not questioned before asking Chicago prosecutor John Lausch to resign. Lausch’s office has been investigating a corruption case that has raised questions about the powerful state democratic lawmakers.
“While the president has the authority to remove the U.S. attorney, there is precedent for the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois to remain in office to close a sensitive investigation.” “We believe that Mr. Rouse should be allowed to remain in office until a successor is confirmed by the Senate, and we urge the Biden administration to allow him to do so.” The two senators said.
Some conservatives questioned the timing of the move, with Feb. 9 also being the day the Senate begins its trial on Trump’s impeachment.
“The Biden administration, like the Trump Administration before it, has the right to demand the resignation of the current prosecutor,” said Ian Prior, a former Trump administration Justice Department spokesman. “What is frustrating to conservatives, however, is that the Democrats, CNN, tried to dismiss it as a ‘threat to democracy’ when Trump did it, but now say ‘everything is fine’ because it was Biden’s decision.”
The Justice Department’s website shows that 93 people lead federal prosecutors’ offices across the U.S. As of Feb. 9, only 57 had been appointed by Trump and confirmed by the Senate. In keeping with practice, many Trump-appointed prosecutors will resign before the transition, with their jobs filled by Sen.
We are committed to ensuring a seamless transition,” Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson (R-WI) said in a statement. Pending confirmation of the U.S. attorney nominations, the interim and acting leadership of the U.S. attorney’s office will ensure that the department continues to carry out its important law enforcement mission of defending the rule of law and pursuing the fair and impartial administration of justice for all.”
So far, Biden has nominated candidates for four key positions at the Justice Department, although Attorney General nominee Garland, a federal appeals court judge, has not yet been scheduled for a confirmation hearing.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday that President Biden has made clear his desire to restore the independence of the Justice Department and to ensure that it is free from any undue political influence.
Reuters sources said U.S. senators are reviewing applications for possible U.S. attorney candidates.
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