Pam Bondi attacks January 6 prosecutors in late-night clash
The Trump administration fired at least three federal prosecutors who had worked on cases related to the January 6 rioters. Attorney General Pam Bondi removed the prosecutors from federal service immediately, without specifying the reasons for their dismissal. This action marked the first time that career prosecutors involved in investigating the Capitol riot four years ago had been fired.
Following his inauguration, Trump had previously fired probationary federal prosecutors who had worked on the January 6 cases. Additionally, he pardoned his supporters arrested during the riots, including some convicted of assaulting police officers. Trump also dismissed probationary prosecutors who had assisted special counsel Jack Smith's investigation into the 2020 election results.
The Trump administration's actions have raised concerns about the use of the Justice Department for personal vendettas and political purposes. The recent firings of prosecutors who investigated the January 6 riot have caused tension within the Justice Department, with some officials expressing dismay over the lack of explanation for the dismissals and the potential impact on future investigations involving the White House.
On the same day as the firings, Attorney General Bondi celebrated a Supreme Court ruling that restricted the power of individual judges to issue nationwide injunctions. The ruling was viewed as a victory for Trump, enabling his executive order on birthright citizenship to take effect in states that did not challenge it directly in court. The decision, supported by a 6-3 majority of conservative justices, was praised by Trump as a restoration of constitutional principles.
The Supreme Court's ruling was significant for Trump, as it allowed his policy on birthright citizenship to be implemented in certain states. The decision received praise from the president and Attorney General Bondi, who emphasized the importance of executive powers and the limitations on judicial authority.