Washington’s federal prosecution office is in turmoil after Ed Martin, President Donald Trump’s interim U.S. Attorney, abruptly stripped multiple senior prosecutors of their leadership roles, reassigning them to entry-level duties.
Among those demoted were key figures in high-profile cases, including Kathryn Rakoczy, who led the prosecution of the Oath Keepers, and Elizabeth Aloi, who prosecuted former Trump adviser Peter Navarro. These attorneys, once handling politically charged investigations, will now process minor offenses and warrant requests.
An internal email from Martin, obtained by sources, made it clear the reassignments were permanent. “I must assign attorneys where I assess there is need,” he wrote. The decision, however, has left the office in “chaos,” according to insiders, who say it specifically targeted those involved in prosecuting January 6-related crimes.
Martin, a Trump loyalist who previously echoed baseless claims of a stolen 2020 election, has drawn criticism for using his position to carry out what some see as political retribution. His office recently dismissed probationary prosecutors involved in Capitol riot cases, pressured staff to pursue politically motivated investigations, and launched reviews of past cases against Trump allies.
The shakeup is the latest in a pattern of controversial moves, including the firing of federal prosecutors, the reversal of cases involving convicted police officers, and threats of new investigations into members of Congress. With Washington’s top legal office now in flux, concerns are mounting over how justice will be administered under Martin’s leadership.
