US Justice Department Fires 9 More Employees from Jack Smith Trump Investigation Team

Since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has conducted a series of firings targeting Justice Department employees involved in investigations led by Special Counsel Jack Smith into Trump's retention of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election. On July 11 alone, at least nine more employees, including two prosecutors from Florida and North Carolina and seven support staff, were dismissed, bringing the total number of Smith team members fired to at least 26. Earlier in January, 14 attorneys linked to Smith's probe were also terminated, marking the start of a broader purge affecting those working on cases against Trump or his supporters. The Justice Department has similarly dismissed personnel involved in prosecutions related to the January 6 Capitol riot, including those working on Proud Boys cases and other defendants attempting to block certification of President Joe Biden's 2020 victory. Critics warn these actions undermine the department's independence, while supporters argue they represent a realignment under the new administration. The DOJ has not publicly commented on the firings, which occur amid heightened political tensions surrounding Trump's ongoing legal challenges.