President Donald Trump’s White House issued termination notices to several U.S. Attorneys appointed during the administration of former President Joe Biden, signaling a stronger effort by the new administration to replace federal prosecutors viewed as potentially misaligned with its priorities. The brief email informed recipients that, by Trump’s direction, their positions as U.S. Attorneys were terminated immediately.
While it is common for U.S. Attorneys to step down when a new president takes office, current and former Justice Department officials noted that incoming administrations usually request resignations rather than issuing direct termination letters. The unusual approach drew attention because more than two dozen Biden-era U.S. Attorneys had remained in office as of midweek, though several departures quickly followed.
Among those affected was Tara McGrath, the U.S. Attorney in San Diego and a Biden appointee, whose office confirmed she received a termination notice from the White House. Erek Barron, another Biden appointee, informed staff through a farewell message that his tenure had ended, later confirming his departure publicly. Ismail Ramsey also concluded his leadership role, according to his office.
In Seattle, Tessa Gorman resigned at the president’s request. Gorman had initially been appointed on an interim basis by former Attorney General Merrick Garland and later retained through judicial appointment. Additionally, Dena King announced her resignation.
The White House and the U.S. Department of Justice did not immediately comment on the dismissals.
Separately, the Republican-controlled United States Senate approved three of Trump’s ambassadorial nominees for key diplomatic posts in the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Italy. The newly confirmed ambassadors — Warren Stephens, Tom Barrack, and Tilman Fertitta — are billionaire business figures and longtime Republican donors who each received bipartisan support during confirmation votes.
Stephens, confirmed as ambassador to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland by a 59–39 Senate vote, was praised by Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton as a businessman, philanthropist, and patriot well suited to oversee the U.S.–U.K. relationship. Formerly the CEO of Stephens Inc., Stephens had a complex political donation history, initially supporting an anti-Trump political group during Trump’s first presidential campaign before later contributing millions to Trump-aligned organizations, including MAGA Inc. in 2024.
Trump said in December that Stephens had long wanted to serve the country full time and expressed confidence in his ability to represent the United States with one of its closest allies. Meanwhile, longtime Trump ally and private equity executive Barrack secured Senate confirmation in a 60–36 vote.
