Story perspectives

Veteran DOJ Prosecutors Quit Over Vindictive, Unconstitutional Cases

4/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Veteran prosecutors are quitting the Justice Department because they refuse to pursue prosecutions they call vindictive and unconstitutional.
By September 2025 the workforce fell from an estimated 10,000 employees to about 5,500.
Stacey Young, an 18-year Department of Justice (DOJ) attorney, warned that firing staff who oppose such prosecutions is illegal.
Justice Connection reports the departures include resignations, buyout acceptances, and terminations tied to the administration’s policies.

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Story summary

Veteran prosecutors are quitting the Justice Department because they refuse to pursue prosecutions they call vindictive and unconstitutional.
By September 2025 the workforce fell from an estimated 10,000 employees to about 5,500.
Stacey Young, an 18-year Department of Justice (DOJ) attorney, warned that firing staff who oppose such prosecutions is illegal.
Justice Connection reports the departures include resignations, buyout acceptances, and terminations tied to the administration’s policies.