In a significant move, the Department of Justice under Donald Trump’s administration has dismissed more than a dozen officials who were involved in criminal investigations related to the president. According to sources familiar with the matter, this decision aligns with a renewed effort to investigate prosecutors who handled cases against those accused in the January 6 events.

A campaign promise in the background

These firings come at a time when the Trump administration is intensifying efforts to fulfill one of the president’s central campaign promises: seeking justice against those he believes acted with bias against him. An internal memorandum, reviewed by multiple sources, confirms that the administration is taking concrete steps to scrutinize the actions of prosecutors overseeing these cases.

In this context, Ed Martin, the acting U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., has initiated an internal investigation into the use of certain legal charges in the January 6 cases. This includes obstruction charges under the U.S. Code 1512(c), some of which were dismissed following a Supreme Court ruling last summer.

The launch of a “special project”

In a memorandum issued on Monday, Martin referred to the initiative as a “special project” and directed attorneys to provide all available information related to the use of the mentioned charges. This includes files, documents, notes, emails, and any other relevant material. Martin tasked two senior prosecutors in the office with compiling a detailed report on the investigation, which is due by Friday.

This decision underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to reexamining past legal actions and determining whether errors or abuses were committed during the judicial processes connected to January 6.

A move sparking mixed reactions

The measure has already elicited mixed reactions, with supporters viewing it as an effort to correct potential judicial overreach, while critics see it as interference with the independence of the justice system. Although the implications of this investigation remain to be seen, it is evident that the Trump administration is determined to chart a new course in handling these cases.