Fact Check: "70% of the Civil Rights Division's lawyers left the DOJ in five months."
What We Know
The claim that "70% of the Civil Rights Division's lawyers left the DOJ in five months" is supported by multiple credible sources. According to a report by NPR, approximately 250 attorneys, which constitutes around 70% of the Civil Rights Division's staff, have left or are expected to leave the department between President Trump's inauguration and the end of May 2025 (NPR). This significant turnover is attributed to the Trump administration's efforts to reshape the division's mission, focusing on enforcing the president's executive orders rather than its traditional role of protecting civil rights for all Americans.
The Washington Post corroborates this figure, noting that the mass exodus of civil rights lawyers is a direct result of the new leadership under Harmeet Dhillon, who has redirected the division's priorities (Washington Post). The Guardian also reported on the situation, emphasizing that the shift in focus has led to fears regarding the future of the division and its historical role in safeguarding civil rights (The Guardian).
Analysis
The claim is substantiated by multiple reputable news outlets, including NPR, the Washington Post, and The Guardian, all of which report similar figures regarding the percentage of lawyers leaving the Civil Rights Division. The NPR article provides specific numbers and context, explaining that the departures are not just voluntary resignations but also include those taking early retirement or participating in a deferred resignation program (NPR).
The sources used are credible, as they are established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. NPR, for instance, has a long history of reporting on legal and civil rights issues, while the Washington Post and The Guardian are also respected for their investigative journalism. The consistency across these reports lends credibility to the claim.
However, it is important to note that while the sources are reliable, they may carry some bias, particularly in their framing of the Trump administration's actions. Critics of the administration have expressed strong opinions regarding the politicization of the Justice Department, which could influence the tone of the reporting. Nonetheless, the factual basis regarding the percentage of lawyers leaving the division remains consistent across sources.
Conclusion
The claim that "70% of the Civil Rights Division's lawyers left the DOJ in five months" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that approximately 250 attorneys, or around 70% of the division's staff, have departed due to significant changes in leadership and mission under the Trump administration. This mass exodus reflects a dramatic shift in the division's focus, raising concerns about its future and effectiveness in protecting civil rights.
