Trump Deliberately Shuffles DOJ Roles to De-Fang Opponents

Trump administration reshuffles key DOJ officials, including Mar-a-Lago raid instigator George Toscas, in a strategic power realignment.

At a Glance

  • Trump administration reassigns over a dozen career Justice Department officials
  • George Toscas, key figure in Mar-a-Lago raid, moved to Office of Sanctuary Cities Enforcement
  • Reassignments seen as part of Trump’s plan to prevent DOJ’s perceived partisan manipulation
  • Some transferred employees may choose to resign rather than accept new roles
  • Move follows Trump’s vow to end DOJ “weaponization” if re-elected

Trump Administration’s DOJ Overhaul

The Trump administration has initiated a sweeping overhaul within the Department of Justice, reassigning over a dozen career officials to new roles with less influence on major departmental decisions. This strategic realignment of power is particularly notable for its impact on George Toscas, a key figure in the controversial Mar-a-Lago raid by the FBI.

According to recent reports, at least 15 longtime DOJ officials have been given new assignments, marking a significant shift in the department’s power structure. This move is seen as part of Trump’s comprehensive plan to prevent what he perceives as the DOJ’s partisan manipulation against him.

George Toscas: From Mar-a-Lago Raid to Sanctuary Cities

Among those affected by the reshuffle is Deputy Assistant Attorney General George Toscas, who played a pivotal role in the contentious Mar-a-Lago raid. Toscas has been reassigned to the DOJ’s new Office of Sanctuary Cities Enforcement, a move that significantly alters his sphere of influence within the department.

This reassignment comes in the wake of the controversial FBI search of former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago property in Florida on August 8, 2022. The search, which Trump described as an “unannounced raid,” was part of an investigation into the alleged removal of classified documents from the White House.

Implications of the DOJ Reshuffle

The strategic realignment within the DOJ may lead to some officials considering resignations, faced with reduced authority in their new roles. This potential exodus of experienced personnel could significantly impact the department’s operations and institutional knowledge.

“He has seen everything in both counterterrorism and counterintelligence,” a former DOJ National Security Division employee anonymously told the outlet. “There is no one in the department who knows as much about prosecuting and investigating terrorists and spies as George Toscas.”

The reassignments are viewed as a response to Trump’s criticism of the DOJ’s actions as “weaponization” against him. During his campaign, Trump vowed to end such practices if re-elected, and this overhaul appears to be a step towards fulfilling that promise.

The Mar-a-Lago Investigation: A Contentious History

The investigation that led to the Mar-a-Lago raid began in early 2022 when the National Archives retrieved 15 boxes of records from Trump’s estate. Subsequent events included a subpoena for additional documents and an FBI raid that uncovered over 100 more classified documents.

The case took several turns, including a 37-count indictment against Trump in June 2023, and its eventual dismissal by Judge Aileen Cannon in July 2024, who ruled Jack Smith’s appointment as Special Counsel unconstitutional.

As the DOJ undergoes this significant restructuring, the full impact on its operations and future investigations remains to be seen. The reassignment of key figures like George Toscas signals a clear intent to reshape the department’s priorities and approach to high-profile cases.