UPDATE: A former senior attorney at the Department of Justice (DOJ) is sounding the alarm that the sweeping personnel changes initiated during the Trump administration could cause irreparable harm to the U.S. justice system. In a shocking video interview released today, Stacey Young, who served the DOJ for nearly 18 years, warned that the purge of career officials is undermining the rule of law and may fundamentally weaken the institution.
Young shared her concerns in a conversation with legal analyst Glenn Kirschner, a former federal prosecutor, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. “For nearly two decades, nothing carried more weight than walking into a courtroom and saying, ‘I represent the United States,’” she stated. “But now people are being told, ‘You no longer represent the United States – you represent Donald Trump.’”
This pivotal shift, described by Young as “transformational,” poses a dire threat to the future of the DOJ and the foundational principles of justice. She lamented that the current administration shows “absolutely stunning and brazen” disregard for longstanding civil service protections, which have safeguarded the department’s impartiality since the 1970s and even earlier.
The implications of these changes extend beyond the immediate loss of experienced personnel. Young emphasized that the DOJ’s reputation—once a beacon for lawyers and law enforcement professionals—is at stake. “Without those civil service laws being followed, we’re witnessing the administration pushing out individuals who might oppose the president’s agenda,” she explained. “It’s been devastating to the department.”
Currently leading Justice Connection, an organization dedicated to supporting DOJ employees, Young raised critical questions regarding the future recruitment of top legal talent. “If individuals know that the institution can be politicized and weaponized so easily,” she asked, “can we really expect them to come back?”
The urgent warning from Young highlights the precarious state of the U.S. legal system as it grapples with the fallout from political interference. As the situation continues to develop, the broader implications for justice and accountability in America remain unclear.
This revelation is likely to resonate widely, raising concerns about the integrity of federal law enforcement and the rule of law in the United States. Stakeholders and citizens alike are urged to stay informed as more updates arise from this unfolding crisis.
