Joshua Stueve, a top DOJ spokesperson resigns, and he hasn’t held back on his way out. In his resignation letter, Stueve slammed the Department of Justice’s leadership, calling the work environment “hostile and toxic.”
Stueve, who has served under both Republican and Democratic administrations, made it clear this wasn’t about politics. According to him, the DOJ’s new leadership under Attorney General Pam Bondi has created an atmosphere where career staff are “not welcomed, valued, or trusted.”
Elon Musk’s DOGE Initiative and Federal Worker Exodus
Stueve’s departure is just one of many. Ever since the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) – a project spearheaded by Elon Musk – began slashing government spending, a wave of resignations and firings has hit federal agencies. DOGE, which has been dismantling government programs, has been accused of pressuring federal workers to resign.
Musk, never one to hold back, has even mocked federal employees in meetings, according to reports. His influence within the government has grown significantly since Jan. 20, giving him direct access to internal federal systems. Many believe this aggressive restructuring is causing long-term damage to agencies like the DOJ.
Stueve’s ‘Heartbreaking’ Exit & DOJ Fallout
In his letter, Stueve wrote that the DOJ he once knew no longer exists. He described his time there as an honor but said the basic decency and respect for career staff is gone.
He’s not alone, other high-ranking DOJ and FBI officials have been fired or have quit, especially those involved in Trump’s criminal investigations. Critics are calling it a purge targeting officials who once stood against Trump.
Political Power Play or Genuine Reform?
Bondi was just sworn in as Attorney General, and already, the DOJ is facing serious instability. Some see these high-profile exits as a deliberate move to push out officials deemed disloyal to the administration. Others argue it’s just part of Musk’s efficiency reforms, cutting costs and restructuring departments.
Either way, the DOJ is in turmoil, and this isn’t the last resignation we’ll see.
