A significant wave of resignations has swept through the US Department of Justice, with nearly 5,500 staff members departing since President Donald Trump assumed office. Many of these individuals used their farewell messages to deliver blistering critiques of the leadership, pointing to a deeply toxic work environment and political interference.
A Culture of Loyalty Over Law
The sheer scale of the departure is staggering. According to a compilation by The Justice Connection, a vast number of exit notes directly criticised President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi. Staffers accused the leadership of fostering a culture where loyalty to the president was prioritised above constitutional principles, the rule of law, and professional ethics.
One former trial attorney expressed that she could no longer recognise the agency she had dedicated her career to. This sentiment was echoed across numerous messages, painting a picture of an institution undergoing fundamental and damaging change under its current stewards.
Specific Allegations of Political Pressure
The criticisms were not vague. In one prominent example, three assistant U.S. attorneys who resisted attempts to drop corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams published a joint statement. They declared that the DOJ had effectively decided that "obedience supersedes all else."
Another former employee was even more direct, stating that workers were being compelled to "put loyalty to the president over the Constitution, the rule of law, and their professional ethical obligations." These specific allegations suggest that the department's independence, a cornerstone of its function, is perceived as being severely compromised.
The Lasting Impact and Fallout
While departing employees consistently praised the DOJ as an institution and their colleagues, their fury was reserved for the political leadership. The notes collectively suggest that the actions of Trump and Bondi have caused what many fear is irreversible damage to the department's integrity and morale.
This mass exodus, which began after Trump took office and was reported on Wednesday 26 November 2025, represents a profound crisis for one of America's most critical federal agencies. The loss of thousands of experienced staff, coupled with the severe allegations in their farewell notes, raises serious questions about the operational independence and future effectiveness of the Department of Justice.
