DOJ sees fourth official step down within a week after massive GOP midterm losses

DOJ sees fourth official step down within a week after massive GOP midterm losses The Civil Division plays a central role in litigating on behalf of the administration and protecting its measures against civil challenges - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in U.S. Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, head of the Justice Department's Civil Division, has resigned, becoming the latest senior official to step down in the wake of substantial losses for President Donald Trump's Republicans in last week's midterm elections. Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the departure in a post on social media platform X on Monday, highlighting key civil litigation outcomes from the first two years of the Trump administration. "Under his leadership, the Division pursued important affirmative litigation to challenge sanctuary policies and delivered key wins in lawsuits against local policies that endangered federal law enforcement," Blanche wrote. "The Division also secured historic settlements to end illegal corporate DEI practices and shuttered dozens of clinics which were providing so-called 'gender affirming care' to minors." Shumate, who previously served in the Justice Department during Trump's first term, directed a division that actively challenged corporate diversity initiatives, healthcare clinics treating transgender minors, and local administrations that declined to assist with immigration enforcement. Additionally, he represented the administration in legal actions aimed at revoking citizenship from naturalized immigrants. While no immediate explanation was provided for the resignation, Shumate becomes the fourth top DOJ leader to leave following the midterm election results. He follows the departures of Civil Rights Division chief Harmeet Dhillon, National Security Division head John Eisenberg, and South Florida U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones, who was involved in inquiries into previous criminal probes regarding Trump. It remains unclear whether the Trump administration will attempt to push through permanent Senate-confirmed replacements for these key positions before Republicans relinquish control of the Senate in January. The Civil Division plays a central role in litigating on behalf of the administration and protecting its measures against civil challenges. However, alongside other branches of the Justice Department, it has experienced a major loss of personnel since Trump won re-election two years ago, particularly within the unit defending administration policies in court. Under Shumate's leadership, the division recently offered signing bonuses of up to $25,000 in an effort to aggressively recruit new legal staff. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments