With the recent selection of former Rep. Matt Gaetz as Attorney General by President-elect Donald Trump, anxiety is growing among senior officials at the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI.
According to reports from NBC News, many long-standing DOJ and FBI staffers are now consulting with lawyers, fearing potential legal actions once the new administration takes office.
The unexpected election victory of Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris has reportedly left some top federal law enforcement officials “shell-shocked,” particularly with the choice of Gaetz, a vocal critic of the so-called “deep state.”
Trump’s pick has intensified concerns among these officials about possible investigations or prosecutions targeting them, especially given Trump’s longstanding pledge to “drain the swamp.”
Over the past few years, Trump has faced multiple legal challenges, leading some of his supporters to believe he will seek retribution against those involved in cases against him.
The legal battles intensified throughout his campaign and continued to reverberate after his decisive win. Senior figures within the DOJ and FBI, aware of Gaetz’s aggressive stance on holding government officials accountable, are now bracing for what could be a tumultuous start to the Trump administration.
JUST IN: NBC reports that DOJ and FBI officials are lawyering up in anticipating of the incoming Trump administration, especially after Matt Gaetz nominated as AG:
— Resist Times (@resistupdates) November 18, 2024
"A sense of alarm is building among officials at Justice Department and FBI…"pic.twitter.com/7Me8nVn09f
Mark Zaid, a prominent national security attorney known for defending whistleblowers, has been advising some DOJ and FBI staff on their options.
Zaid told Politico that he has suggested to a few clients to consider taking a vacation abroad around the time of the inauguration, saying, “Just go on a routine vacation and see what plays out come Jan. 20, 21st, 22nd.”
This precautionary advice highlights the growing apprehension among current officials about potential legal actions initiated under Gaetz’s leadership.
Zaid also commented on the broader legal landscape, noting that the Democrats’ prosecution of Trump could have opened the door to reciprocal actions.
He specifically mentioned the cases in New York City and Georgia, suggesting they were politically motivated.
Trump’s conviction in the Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg’s case, which involved a “novel legal theory” regarding falsified business records, has seen delays, adding to the uncertainty.
Moreover, the FBI’s controversial raid on Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate has come under intense scrutiny, with Special Counsel Jack Smith reportedly seeking a pause in the case and considering resigning before Trump assumes office.
Despite the backlash, one FBI agent who has sought legal counsel told the outlet, “Everything we did was above board,” defending the agency’s actions in handling Trump-related investigations.
As the new administration prepares to take charge, the atmosphere in Washington is tense. The prospect of Gaetz leading the DOJ has fueled concerns among officials who fear retribution in the form of investigations into their past actions.
The situation underscores the deepening political divide and the anticipation of a potential overhaul in the federal justice system as Trump aims to fulfill his promise of sweeping reforms.