Jack Smith among 900 former prosecutors alarmed by Trump's DOJ
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Jack Smith on Aug. 1, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images
Hundreds of former Department of Justice prosecutors, including former special counsel Jack Smith, signed an open letter shared Monday expressing concern about the reported politicization of prosecutions.
The big picture: More than half a dozen federal prosecutors resigned last week rather than comply with a DOJ order to dismiss corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams.
- The unprecedented exodus teed up a dramatic battle between Trump loyalists who have taken control of Washington and career civil servants attempting to hold the line against alleged overreach.
- Smith, who spearheaded two federal criminal cases against Trump over the 2020 election and classified documents, resigned days before the president took office.
Driving the news: In an open letter organized by Justice Connection, some 900 former prosecutors emphasized that the oath they swore "was to the Constitution—not to the President, Attorney General, or any other individual.
- The prosecutors said they "have watched with alarm as these values have been tested by recent actions of the Department's leadership."
What they're saying: The letter, addressed to career federal prosecutors, highlights the values of the job, including pursuing justice and treating defendants equally despite how powerful or well-connect they are, no matter who is President.
- "We salute and admire the courage many of you have already exhibited, and that will guide all of you as you continue to serve the interests of justice," the prosecutors wrote.
- "You have responded to ethical challenges of a type no public servant should ever be forced to confront with principle and conviction, in the finest traditions of the Department of Justice."
- They concluded, "generations of former federal prosecutors are watching with pride and admiration and stand ready to support you in this honorable pursuit."
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