Fact Check: The turnover of DOJ lawyers during Trump's administration is unprecedented.

Fact Check: "The turnover of DOJ lawyers during Trump's administration is unprecedented."

What We Know

During Donald Trump's presidency, the turnover rate among lawyers in the Department of Justice (DOJ) was notably high, particularly in the Civil Rights Division and the Solicitor General's office. Reports indicate that approximately 70% of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division lawyers left or were expected to leave between Trump's inauguration and May 2025. This figure translates to around 250 attorneys, marking a significant shift in a division that has historically focused on enforcing civil rights laws.

Additionally, in the Solicitor General's office, it was reported that at least half of the front-line lawyers had announced their departures, which is described as an unusually high turnover rate during a period of intense litigation involving the Trump administration's initiatives (Washington Post). The reasons for this mass exodus included discomfort with directives from DOJ leadership and a perceived politicization of the department's mission (NPR).

Analysis

The claim that the turnover of DOJ lawyers during Trump's administration is "unprecedented" is partially true. While high turnover rates are not uncommon during transitions between administrations, the scale of departures observed during Trump's presidency appears to be significantly greater than typical. For instance, the Federal Programs Branch of the DOJ, which is tasked with defending Trump's policies, reportedly lost nearly two-thirds of its staff, a level of attrition described as "highly unusual" by various analysts (The Daily Beast).

Critically assessing the sources, NPR and the Washington Post are reputable media outlets with a history of investigative journalism, which lends credibility to their reports on the DOJ's turnover rates. However, it is essential to consider that while turnover can be indicative of dissatisfaction or a shift in priorities, it is not solely a measure of unprecedented circumstances. The nature of political appointments and the inherent changes in administration often lead to staff changes that can be substantial but not necessarily unprecedented.

Moreover, while the turnover is significant, it is essential to recognize that the DOJ has experienced staff changes in previous administrations as well, albeit perhaps not to the same extent or under similar circumstances. This context is crucial in evaluating the claim's validity.

Conclusion

The claim that the turnover of DOJ lawyers during Trump's administration is unprecedented is Partially True. While the turnover rates reported are indeed high and indicative of significant dissatisfaction and changes in departmental priorities, the term "unprecedented" may overstate the situation without acknowledging the historical context of staff changes during transitions between administrations.

Sources

1. Two-thirds of the DOJ unit defending Trump policies in court have quit
2. 70% of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division lawyers are leaving
3. Many lawyers who argue for Trump at Supreme Court are leaving
4. Exhausted DOJ Team Defending Trump in Court Hit by Mass Exodus
5. Justice Department Lawyers Flee in Droves Rather Than Defend Trump
6. Two-thirds of the DOJ unit defending Trump policies in court have quit
7. Two-Thirds of the DOJ Unit Defending Trump Policies in Court Have Quit
8. DOJ Unit That Defends Trump Policies Sees Exodus