Justice Department Shakeup: Trump Administration Fires Key Officials

The Trump administration has fired several key Justice Department officials, including Adam Cohen, head of a major drug and organized crime task force. The shakeup, part of larger efforts to remove or sideline career officials, also involved three assistant U.S. attorneys in New York handling high-profile corruption cases.

In a significant move, the Trump administration has dismissed Adam Cohen, the head of a pivotal U.S. Department of Justice task force targeting drug and organized crime. Cohen, relieved from his duties by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, conveyed his surprise through a social media post following the abrupt dismissal.

This shake-up occurred shortly after Cohen contributed to a memorandum announcing an expanded role for his task force in tackling illegal immigration. The new directive, part of an initiative named 'Operation Take Back America,' emphasized an enhanced focus on immigration-related issues, sparking Cohen's unexpected termination.

Additionally, changes affected other career officials. Among them, three assistant U.S. attorneys in New York were placed on administrative leave tied to high-profile prosecutions, including corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams. These alterations underscore a broader strategy of the Trump administration to reposition or remove longstanding department personnel.

(With inputs from agencies.)