“Quite Frankly, I Was Pissed Off!” Growing Online Page Chronicles Trump justice Dept. Resignation Letters
A burgeoning online collection is spotlighting a wave of farewell messages from departing Department of Justice (DOJ) employees, revealing frustration adn concern over recent changes within the agency. The project gained traction following the abrupt and unexpected firing of Elizabeth Hartman, who was immediately cut off from her government-issued interaction tools.
Hartman’s departure, and her subsequent public response, ignited wider attention to the trend. In a farewell message, Hartman expressed outrage, stating, “The people in charge who are supposed to protect us- our fellow Americans who we elected, along with those who were appointed, and swore an OATH to protect this nation and our Constitution – now use the Constitution as a weapon to suit their own ends.” She told CBS News she felt compelled to publicly address her “illegal termination” as “so many others were experiencing it and, quite frankly, I was pissed off.” The Justice Department declined to comment on the firings and resignations.
Hartman’s case is part of a larger pattern documented in these farewell notes. Michael Romano, a prosecutor involved in January 6th prosecutions, referenced his work on Capitol insurrection cases in his March resignation message. He highlighted the transactional view of the law held by some rioters, stating they “expected, simply put, that the rule of law did not apply to them. And, but for the work of the Capitol Siege Section, they woudl have been right.” Romano explained his decision to publicly state his position, saying, “It was critically important to have my colleagues see me standing up for the work we did. I needed to say it and people needed to hear it.”
Other departing officials echoed similar sentiments. Meredith Burrell, a former civil rights office attorney, wrote of a stark contrast between her 25 years of service and the “last four months,” reflecting on the agency’s mission to “vindicate the rights of marginalized people.”
Not all messages were critical. Some focused on gratitude and praise for colleagues. Greg Rosen, who resigned as head of the unit prosecuting Capitol riot cases in May, lauded those involved in the January 6th investigation, stating they “represent the highest ideals of our nation-unwavering in your commitment to the rule of law and the peaceful transfer of power.” He also expressed thanks to the officers injured defending the Capitol, calling them “the embodiment of heroism.”
Sybil Barksdale, a former official in the Office of Violence against Women, highlighted the consistent dedication to justice she witnessed throughout her career, even through “changing administrations.” An FBI analyst who resigned offered a simple but powerful message: “If I learned anything in the FBI, it is that yes, you can say no. If something is wrong, unjust, or unethical, you speak up, and sometimes speaking up means saying ‘no.'”
The growing collection of these farewell messages provides a glimpse into the internal concerns and convictions of those leaving the Department of justice, painting a picture of a period of significant transition and, for some, profound disappointment.
