DOJ Official Resigns After Clash Over Biden-Era Probe

DOJ Official Resigns After Clash Over Biden-Era Probe \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Denise Cheung, a senior official in the Washington, D.C. federal prosecutor’s office, resigned after clashing with interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin over a Biden-era contract investigation. She refused to freeze assets or issue grand jury subpoenas, citing insufficient legal basis. Martin, recently tapped by President Trump for a permanent role, has also launched a review of Capitol riot prosecutions. Her departure is part of a growing trend of Justice Department resignations amid political tensions.

DOJ Official Resigns: Quick Look

• Resignation Over Legal Dispute: Denise Cheung, head of the criminal division in Washington’s U.S. Attorney’s office, says she was forced out after refusing legally questionable directives from interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin.
• Biden-Era Contract Investigation: Martin allegedly ordered Cheung to freeze assets and issue grand jury subpoenas despite insufficient evidence.
• Justice Department Response: A DOJ spokesperson dismissed the resignation, stating that not following orders “is not an act of heroism.”
• Trump’s Influence on DOJ: Martin, who supports Jan. 6 rioters and Trump’s false 2020 election claims, was just nominated for a permanent role by President Trump.
• Broader DOJ Shakeup: The Justice Department has been rocked by resignations, forced transfers, and political clashes. Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor, Danielle Sassoon, also resigned last week in protest over the dismissal of corruption charges against former NYC Mayor Eric Adams.

Deep Look

Senior Federal Prosecutor Denise Cheung Forced Out

The Justice Department is facing another high-profile resignation, as Denise Cheung, a top supervisor in Washington, D.C.’s federal prosecutor’s office, says she was forced to resign following a dispute with interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin over a government contract investigation dating back to the Biden administration.

In her resignation letter, Cheung claims that Martin pressured her to:

• Seek a freeze on assets related to the contract investigation.
• Issue grand jury subpoenas, despite insufficient legal grounds.
• Order a bank not to release funds from certain accounts involved in the probe.

Cheung refused, arguing that there was no legal basis for such actions. She told Martin that the “quantum of evidence did not support that action” and that she lacked the authority to issue the bank directive.

After her refusal, Martin asked for her resignation.

What Was the Contract Investigation About?

Cheung’s resignation letter did not specify the nature of the Biden-era contract or which government agency was involved. However, her departure follows increasing political scrutiny of government spending and contracts under the previous administration.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office declined to comment, while a Justice Department representative dismissed the controversy, stating:

“Failing to follow orders is not an act of heroism.”

Trump’s DOJ Shakeup: Martin’s Influence Grows

Cheung’s departure comes just a day after President Donald Trump announced he would nominate Martin to serve as Washington, D.C.’s U.S. Attorney on a permanent basis.

Martin, who has been serving in an interim capacity since last month, has drawn controversy for:

• Supporting Jan. 6 rioters and questioning the prosecution of those involved.
• Backing Trump’s false claims that the 2020 election was stolen.
• Initiating an internal DOJ review of felony charges against Capitol riot defendants.

Martin’s Capitol Riot Case Review

One of Martin’s first major moves as interim U.S. attorney was ordering a review of felony charges brought against hundreds of Capitol riot defendants.

Martin has described the use of these charges as “a great failure of our office” and instructed attorneys to:

• Hand over all documents, emails, and case files related to Capitol riot prosecutions.
• Prepare a report evaluating the decisions made in those cases.

This review has sparked fears that Martin could push to reduce sentences or drop cases against some of the convicted rioters.

Wider DOJ Resignations Under Trump’s Influence

Cheung’s forced resignation is not an isolated case—it is the latest in a wave of DOJ departures under the Trump administration’s reshuffling of leadership.

Just last week, Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor, Danielle Sassoon, resigned after Justice Department leadership ordered the dismissal of corruption charges against former New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Several high-ranking DOJ officials in the public integrity section also resigned in protest, after being asked to hand the Adams case to another unit.

Cheung’s Farewell Message: Commitment to Justice

Though Cheung did not explicitly reference her dispute with Martin in her farewell email to DOJ colleagues, she hinted at her reasons for stepping down.

“I took an oath of office to support and defend the Constitution, and I have executed this duty faithfully during my tenure, which has spanned through numerous Administrations.”

“All that we do is rooted in following the facts and the law and complying with our moral, ethical, and legal obligations.”

She encouraged her colleagues to continue their commitment to impartial justice.

What Happens Next?

Cheung’s resignation raises serious questions about the politicization of the Justice Department, especially as Martin prepares for a potential permanent appointment.

With Trump’s DOJ leadership making sweeping personnel changes, legal experts expect:

• More DOJ resignations from officials unwilling to follow politically motivated orders.
• Further scrutiny over Martin’s review of Capitol riot cases and his stance on prosecutorial discretion.
• Congressional oversight efforts, as Democratic lawmakers could launch investigations into DOJ interference.

Final Thoughts: A DOJ in Turmoil?

Denise Cheung’s resignation highlights ongoing tensions within the Justice Department, as Trump’s appointed leadership moves to reshape federal prosecutions.

With high-profile exits like Cheung and Sassoon, concerns grow over whether DOJ leadership is prioritizing politics over legal integrity.

As Trump’s influence over federal law enforcement continues to grow, the fallout from these resignations will likely have far-reaching consequences for government oversight, federal prosecutions, and public trust in the DOJ.

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