Justice Department Fires Top Prosecutors Amid Turmoil Over Comey Indictment
The Justice Department's Eastern District of Virginia office fired two top prosecutors, Michael Ben'Ary and Maya Song, amidst turmoil and criticism over the Comey indictment.
Prosecutors tied to Lisa Monaco ousted from handling Comey case
Washington Examiner
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get StartedHave an account? Sign in
Overview
- Michael Ben'Ary and Maya Song, two high-level prosecutors, were fired from the Justice Department's Eastern District of Virginia office, causing significant turmoil within the elite unit.
- The firings followed the appointment of Lindsey Halligan, a Trump appointee with limited criminal prosecution experience, as the interim U.S. Attorney for the Alexandria-based office.
- Michael Ben'Ary's dismissal came amidst allegations from a right-wing commentator that he resisted the controversial indictment of former FBI Director James Comey.
- The Justice Department declined to comment on the dismissals, which have prompted concerns from legal experts and former prosecutors about the loss of experienced personnel.
- These events occurred after Mr. Trump removed his appointee Erik Siebert from the U.S. Attorney post, reportedly due to reluctance to bring charges in a separate probe.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the Justice Department firings as part of a broader pattern of political interference and erosion of institutional independence. They emphasize the "turmoil" and "alarm" caused by these actions, linking them to conservative criticism and the Trump administration's pressure to target political opponents, thereby portraying the events as a threat to the DOJ's traditional neutrality.
"The firings come amid turmoil in the U.S. Attorney's office in Alexandria, Virginia, days after the Justice Department filed criminal charges there against Comey."
CBS News"The decision to indict Comey has been heavily criticized by legal experts and former DOJ employees, as well as a group of former state and federal judges."
NBC News"The firings are the latest in a wave of terminations that have thrown the department into turmoil and raised alarm over political influence over the traditionally independent law enforcement agency and the erosion of civil service protections afforded to federal employees."
Associated PressArticles (5)
FAQ
Michael Ben'Ary and Maya Song were fired amid turmoil and criticism over the Comey indictment, with allegations falsely tying Ben'Ary to the case. His dismissal followed false social media claims and concerns about political influence and social media pressure affecting DOJ decisions.
Lindsey Halligan, a Trump appointee with limited criminal prosecution experience, was appointed interim U.S. Attorney for the Alexandria-based office following the dismissals, contributing to the ongoing turmoil within the office.
Legal experts and former prosecutors expressed concerns about the loss of experienced personnel and the growing influence of political pressure and social media on DOJ personnel decisions, which could undermine the independence of federal law enforcement.
Michael Ben'Ary was falsely alleged on social media to have resisted the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, although he had no involvement in the case. These false claims contributed to his dismissal from the Justice Department.
Former President Trump removed his appointee Erik Siebert from the U.S. Attorney post, reportedly due to reluctance to bring charges in a separate probe, preceding the recent firings and appointments within the office.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.