Former Prosecutor Michael Romano Raises Alarm Over DOJ Turnover Amidst Trump Administration Actions
Michael Romano, a former federal prosecutor, has served as a witness at congressional hearings multiple times this year, expressing deep concerns that efforts by the Trump administration to demote or fire Justice Department prosecutors involved in cases related to President Trump or the January 6 U.S. Capitol riot represent a significant risk to democratic processes.
Romano testified before a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on federal investigations. He is among more than 5,000 employees who have left the Justice Department during the first year of Mr. Trump's second administration, through resignations, retirements, or terminations. This substantial turnover has reportedly diminished the agency's institutional memory and experience.
A Wave of Departures: Romano's Story and Beyond
Romano left the Justice Department in March 2025 following changes within the agency. He had a notable record prosecuting Capitol riot defendants, including those who assaulted police officers, as well as cases involving economic espionage, property destruction targeting international embassies, and bank fraud.
Currently with a private law firm, Romano frequently testifies before Congress regarding the Capitol riot's impact. He has defended the government's prosecution of individuals accused of misdemeanors, stating at a recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing:
"There were no small crimes on Jan. 6, 2021."
He also described the effort as "the most righteous effort I have been a part of." Romano stated he finds his new role in labor disputes important, noting that tools used in criminal investigations can be applied to other forms of wrongdoing.
Broader Exodus and New Horizons
Greg Rosen, former head of the Justice Department's Capitol Siege Section, who also departed in 2025, commented that the willingness of individuals with firsthand experience to raise concerns is important and not partisan. Rosen now works at Rogers Joseph O'Donnell, a litigation firm.
The D.C. U.S. Attorney's Office experienced significant staff turnover in 2025, amidst criticism from Mr. Trump regarding its Jan. 6 prosecutions and efforts to demote or remove involved prosecutors. In a 2025 interview, D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro indicated the office faced staffing shortages, requiring 90 additional prosecutors.
The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division also saw numerous resignations and retirements over the past year, according to Justice Department sources and an American Bar Association report.
Sydney Foster, formerly acting chief of the Civil Rights Division's Appellate Section, joined the Washington Litigation Group last month. This non-profit legal organization challenges government overreach and some Trump administration decisions. Foster, who argued over 30 federal appellate cases for the government, stated it is a "critical moment for our democracy."
Many former prosecutors, including Romano, have found new employment in private firms, local prosecutor's offices, and political campaigns. Other former Justice Department prosecutors, including Mary Dohrmann and James Pearce from former special counsel Jack Smith's legal team, have also joined the Washington Litigation Group. Some Justice Department alumni have transitioned to local government roles, such as the Arlington County, Virginia Commonwealth's Attorney's Office.
Stacey Young, executive director of Justice Connection, an organization assisting former Justice Department staff, stated that non-profits and firms are benefiting from the departure of experienced employees.
She suggested the department is losing institutional knowledge.
Entrepreneurial Ventures and Public Service
In Minnesota, where a mass exodus occurred from the U.S. Attorney's Office due to controversial killings by immigration agents, two former attorneys launched a private firm. Joe Thompson, former acting U.S. attorney, established a boutique firm for white-collar defense and related legal areas. Thompson is now representing journalist Don Lemon in a federal case.
In January, Jack Smith also established his own private white-collar investigation and litigation firm with former government lawyers Timothy Heaphy, David Harbach, and Thomas Windom.
Running for Federal Office
At least two former Justice Department prosecutors are pursuing federal office:
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Ryan Crosswell: A former public integrity prosecutor who resigned during the Trump administration's decision to drop a federal criminal case against former New York Mayor Eric Adams, is running for a House seat in Pennsylvania. He has received endorsements, including from the VoteVets political action group.
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J.P. Cooney: A member of the team that investigated and prosecuted Mr. Trump before his second term, announced his intention to run for a House seat in Virginia, contingent on congressional map redrawing.
Cooney stated, "Donald Trump fired me because of my fidelity to the rule of law instead of to him."
He described the events of the last year as deeply disturbing, asserting that a single individual, the president, posed a "real, grave threat to fundamental values like democracy, the rule of law." Cooney has reportedly raised over $200,000 early in his campaign.