Trump DOJ Appointees Rush for Exits as Career Fears Grow

Political appointees across the Justice Department are rushing to exit, fearing their ties to a Trump agenda rejected by voters will damage their careers, according to current and former Trump DOJ officials. President Donald Trump's promotion of Stephen Miller to chief of staff has intensified the distress. The departures follow Democrats' dominance in the midterms, with four Senate-confirmed DOJ officials already resigning. Attorney General Todd Blanche called the exits "nothing unusual," while a department spokesperson dismissed the reporting as "click-bait." Some appointees are seeking private-sector career advice, and others worry about congressional oversight and potential whistleblower complaints. Morale among remaining appointees is split between MAGA-aligned lawyers embracing the political pivot and traditional conservatives planning exits. Some are considering professional liability insurance, while DOJ faces hiring challenges as recent recruits rescinded acceptances. US attorneys are preparing for a more intense period amid fears of further Trump-directed prosecutions.