President Donald Trump’s administration has begun removing several U.S. Attorneys who were appointed during former President Joe Biden’s term, signaling a broader effort to ensure alignment with the new administration’s priorities within the Justice Department. According to emails sent from the White House Office of Presidential Personnel, the dismissals were carried out directly at the president’s direction. The message informed recipients that their positions as U.S. Attorneys were “terminated, effective immediately.” While it is common practice for U.S. Attorneys to step down following a presidential transition, legal experts note that incoming administrations typically request resignations rather than issuing abrupt termination notices. The unusually direct approach has drawn attention within legal and political circles.
Several federal prosecutors across the country have already departed their roles. Among them was Tara McGrath, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California based in San Diego, who confirmed that she received official notice of her dismissal from the White House. Erek Barron, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, also announced his departure shortly after the notices were distributed. In a farewell message to his staff, Barron expressed gratitude to his team, writing that it had been “an honor to lead such a talented and dedicated group of public servants.” Ismail Ramsey, who led the Northern District of California, similarly concluded his tenure. In Washington state, Seattle-based U.S. Attorney Tessa Gorman stepped down at the president’s request, according to a spokesperson for her office. Dena King, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, also announced her resignation.
Despite these departures, more than two dozen Biden-appointed U.S. Attorneys initially remained in their posts earlier in the week, with several still in office as of Thursday. Meanwhile, the Republican-controlled Senate approved three of Trump’s ambassadorial nominees earlier this week. Billionaire businessman Warren Stephens was confirmed as ambassador to the United Kingdom, while private equity executive Tom Barrack secured approval to serve as ambassador to Turkey. Another major donor to Republican causes, Tilman Fertitta, was confirmed as ambassador to Italy. All three nominees received strong Republican backing along with some Democratic support during the confirmation votes.
