Big changes are underway at the Justice Department under the Trump administration, and they’re causing quite a stir. Over 20 seasoned career officials have been reassigned, effectively sidelined from their long-held senior roles. This move has raised eyebrows, especially since many of these positions are typically shielded from political shifts.

The shuffle isn’t limited to Washington, DC. Key U.S. attorney offices in New York and the District of Columbia are also seeing new faces. These changes come as President Trump aims to overhaul the Justice Department and the FBI, both of which have been central to investigations involving him.

Many of the reassigned officials were top lawyers in the criminal and national security divisions, areas that have historically been insulated from political influence. Some of these prosecutors have now been moved to a new task force, a move seen by insiders as a nudge for them to consider leaving the department altogether.

While federal rules usually protect career employees from being reassigned for at least 120 days after a new administration takes over, Trump officials argue this doesn’t apply here because the DOJ is currently led by acting leaders. This interpretation has sparked debate about fairness and political interference.

The reshuffling could lead to complaints before the Merit Systems Protection Board, which is designed to protect civil servants from political retribution during administration changes.

Meanwhile, in Washington, DC, Ed Martin, a well-known conservative activist, has been named acting U.S. attorney. Martin has been vocal about social issues, including advocating for a national abortion ban without exceptions for rape or incest. In New York, John Durham, a veteran prosecutor, has stepped into an interim U.S. attorney role, bringing years of experience in high-profile cases.

As the Trump administration continues to reshape the Justice Department, these changes mark a significant shift in how the agency operates. Critics worry about the long-term impact on the department’s independence, while supporters see it as a necessary step to align the DOJ with the administration’s priorities.

Stay tuned as this story develops.