Donald Trump is currently in the process of selecting a new attorney general, a crucial position in his administration. The attorney general is considered the most important Cabinet position by Trump and his team, as it plays a key role in fulfilling campaign promises such as immigration-related executive orders and investigations of political adversaries.
During his first term, Trump made significant changes within the Justice Department, including the firing of one attorney general and the dismissal of an FBI director and two US attorneys in Manhattan. This time around, there are concerns among Justice Department employees, including special counsel Jack Smith, about potential political retribution.
Reports indicate that some employees within the department are making safety plans and considering hiring lawyers. There is a prevailing sense of unease and concern among attorneys who fear that their work on legal cases may be disregarded or undermined.
Despite Trump's intentions to appoint special counsels for investigations, experts caution that conducting investigations without solid evidence could face challenges in the legal system. It is suggested that a more viable approach would be to cooperate with congressional investigations by providing relevant materials.
It is noted that Trump has historically struggled to grasp the inner workings of the Justice Department, and his proposed actions may not align with standard procedures. The potential impact of these decisions on ongoing investigations and legal processes remains a topic of discussion among current and former officials.