Overview

• An open letter signed by 282 nonpolitical former Justice Department employees alleges President Trump and his appointees are undermining DOJ independence and core functions.
• The letter cites violations of court orders, retaliatory prosecutions, and the redirection or dismantling of units focused on counterintelligence, counterterrorism, public corruption, and environmental enforcement.
• Signatories say personnel actions have driven an exodus of over 5,000 staff, including what they describe as a 75% loss of attorneys in the Civil Rights Division and plans to eliminate the Tax Division and cancel grants.
• Axios reports roughly 4,500 employees officially departed after buyout offers and notes 107 of about 320 career senior managers have left, figures the DOJ has disputed without providing replacements.
• Attorney General Pam Bondi is set to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, and the Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the letter.