Trump White House fires Biden-appointed Attorneys

In an unprecedented move, US Attorneys appointed by Biden received immediate termination letters from the Trump administration.

The Trump White House on Wednesday issued termination letters to several US Attorneys that were appointed by President Biden, according to emails reviewed by Reuters. The notices informed the recipients that their positions were terminated with immediate effect under President Donald J. Trump’s directive.

"At the direction of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as U.S. Attorney is terminated, effective immediately."

The number of Attorneys receiving termination letters is still unclear, however a little more than two dozen Biden-appointed Attorneys are still in office, according to a list on Justice Department's website. Spokespersons for the Justice Department and the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Shortly after the termination notices were issued, the US Attorney for the District of Maryland, Erek Barron sent a farewell email. "As many of you may know by now, my time with the US Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland has come to an end … It has been an honor to lead such a talented and dedicated team." Barron however could not be contacted for an immediate comment.

While it is customary for US Attorneys to step down after a change in the presidential administration, usually the incoming administration asks for their resignations and does not issue tersely-worded termination letters, current and former Justice Department lawyers say.

Also on Wednesday, another Biden-appointed US Attorney—Dena King from the Western District of North Carolina—announced she was stepping down from her post.

The move has sparked discussions over its abrupt nature and signals towards a shake-up under Trump’s leadership.