Federal Lawyers Transition from Trump Administration to Democratic States

A significant shift is occurring as a large number of federal lawyers depart the Trump administration to join Democratic state attorneys general offices. This transition is evident as blue states increase legal efforts against the president’s agenda for a second term, as a review by Fox News Digital reveals.

According to data from the New York Times, over 10,000 federal attorneys—roughly one-fifth of all lawyers employed by the federal government—have left their positions since the start of 2025. Of these, a detailed analysis by Fox News Digital identified over 100 who have moved to Democratic attorneys general offices. Many of these lawyers now participate in legal cases challenging the Trump administration.

Fox News Digital’s investigation included examining public LinkedIn profiles, state staff directories, statements from public officials, and court filings to track attorneys who left federal service post-January 2025. This review does not determine individual motivations for leaving federal service or joining state offices.

The real number of federal attorneys who have transitioned to Democratic attorneys general offices likely exceeds reported figures, as not all federal workers maintain LinkedIn accounts.

“Oregon DOJ is becoming a haven for talented public servants from the U.S. Department of Justice, bringing their expertise to serve Oregonians,” said Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, a Democrat, to Fox News Digital.

Many attorneys who moved from federal service are directly involved in cases opposing the Trump administration. Court filings reveal numerous former federal lawyers now listed on legal actions fighting the administration’s policies. Examples include a lawsuit by Massachusetts against transgender healthcare restrictions, a California suit against the termination of research grants, and briefs seeking to halt the firing of FTC commissioners.

These lawsuits often involve multiple teams of lawyers from different Democratic states. Democratic attorneys general have publicly emphasized cooperation among blue states as a central strategy against the Trump administration.

Federal lawyers specializing in civil rights, immigration, environmental law, public corruption, and antitrust are particularly prominent among those transitioning to Democratic-led state offices. These lawyers, mainly career civil servants from the federal sector, represent a significant transfer of legal talent.

A longtime DOJ attorney, who spent nearly 20 years rising to the position of assistant general counsel, has now joined Colorado as a senior assistant attorney general. This lawyer exemplifies the transfer of experienced legal practitioners from the Trump administration to state offices.

While some lawyers joined Democratic states, others soon entered leadership roles during Trump’s second term. High-profile exits include positions such as the assistant chief counsel at the Department of Health and Human Services and division chiefs in various U.S. attorneys’ offices.

“Experienced federal prosecutors are choosing to work for states like Oregon, fighting for local citizens,” added Rayfield.

The pattern marks a notable change from Trump’s first term, despite varied reasons for individual departures, which aren’t always publicly available.

Political commentator Richard Hanania mentioned that during Trump’s era, the conservative movement struggled to attract experienced professionals, impacting the administration’s objectives.

Bloomberg Law noted that the exodus of federal attorneys has affected the Trump administration’s ability to manage its immigration policies, with significant losses from the Office of Immigration Litigation.

The Trump administration, however, denies being weakened by the lawyer exodus. A DOJ spokeswoman highlighted the administration’s achievements, such as reducing the murder rate and significant law enforcement victories.

Despite losing more than 10,000 attorneys, federal agencies have recruited approximately 3,200 lawyers since Trump’s second term started, aiming to align ideologically with the administration.

The White House has referenced President Donald Trump’s Truth Social post, claiming departed lawyers were “Radical Left Deep State Lunatics.”

As the movement of federal lawyers continues, the impact on the Trump administration and the strengthening of Democratic-led state offices remain noteworthy.