Ousted DOJ officials to testify before congressional Democrats Monday
Some of the top Justice Department officials who were recently terminated are set to testify publicly at a congressional meeting on Monday. Liz Oyer, the former U.S. pardon attorney who was fired last month, and Ryan Crosswell, who left the department’s public integrity section amid controversy over dropping a criminal corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams, will be speaking at the hearing organized by top Democrats, as reported by CBS News.
The anticipated testimonies will shed light on the repercussions of the Trump administration’s dismissals and demotions, along with the resignations of numerous long-standing department officials. Critics of the administration have accused President Trump’s allies of retaliating against investigators and prosecutors involved in criminal prosecutions against him or his associates. They have also raised concerns about the placement of political loyalists in influential positions within the department.
Oyer alleges that she was terminated by the Trump administration after refusing an order to assist in restoring actor Mel Gibson’s gun possession rights. She is expected to provide insights into the circumstances surrounding her dismissal during the hearing.
Crosswell resigned in February following instructions from top Justice Department official Emil Bove, a close Trump ally, to proceed with the dismissal of the corruption case against Mayor Adams. In his resignation letter posted by the Washington Post, Crosswell expressed disbelief at the actions taken against public servants and the adverse impact felt throughout the department.
Additionally, Rachel Cohen, an attorney formerly associated with the Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher, and Flom law firm, will also testify. Cohen has criticized Skadden for entering into an agreement with the Trump administration to offer $100 million in pro bono services to causes and clients supported by the president. Skadden, along with two other major law firms, struck deals with the administration to avoid potential repercussions from an executive order threatening their lawyers’ security clearances or access to government facilities.
The hearing, spearheaded by congressional Democrats including Rep. Jamie Raskin and Sen. Adam Schiff, aims to address concerns about the politicization of the Justice Department under the Trump administration. Raskin emphasized the need to support individuals standing against corruption and lawlessness, while Schiff condemned the administration’s alleged targeting of political adversaries and allies through the department.
Notably, Republicans are not slated to participate in the event, given the Democrats’ minority status in the Senate. Instead of traditional committee hearings, Democrats have opted for “shadow hearings” or “spotlight hearings” to facilitate public testimonies and inquiries with witnesses. This approach allows for a platform to address critical issues and hold the administration accountable.
In a statement to CBS News, Raskin emphasized the proactive stance of Democrats in combatting corruption and abuse of power, contrasting with the passive response of GOP colleagues. Schiff echoed similar sentiments, decrying the administration’s exploitation of the Justice Department for political purposes.
With the testimonies of key officials and legal experts, the congressional hearing serves as a pivotal moment in examining the integrity of the Justice Department and upholding the principles of justice and accountability in governance.
