Key Prosecutor in Trump Documents Case Retires Ahead of New Administration

Jay Bratt, a senior DOJ official, steps down amid ongoing legal battles and scrutiny of his conduct in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case.

Jay Bratt, a senior national security prosecutor involved in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case, retired from the Department of Justice after 34 years of service.
Bratt played a pivotal role in the early stages of the investigation and was later detailed to Special Counsel Jack Smith’s office before the case was transferred to federal prosecutors in Florida.
The DOJ had filed charges against Donald Trump for retaining classified documents and obstruction of justice, though charges against Trump were dismissed without prejudice due to DOJ policy regarding sitting presidents.
Bratt faced allegations of ethical misconduct, including claims by a defense attorney that he used a judicial nomination as leverage, which he and DOJ filings have denied; the matter is under internal review.
Trump’s return to the presidency on January 20 has raised concerns of a broader exodus of DOJ officials, with speculation that Bratt’s departure preempted potential retaliation from the incoming administration.