White House fires prosecutor investigating Trump donor
- Federal prosecutor Adam Schleifer was reportedly fired under orders from the White House, possibly related to his investigation into Andrew Wiederhorn.
- The White House has dismissed over 50 U.S. attorneys in recent weeks, raising concerns about the politicization of the judicial system.
- This unprecedented mass firing indicates a shift in how the administration engages with federal law enforcement, potentially undermining judicial independence.
In March 2025, federal prosecutor Adam Schleifer was dismissed from his position at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California in a move attributed to the White House. The abrupt termination came via an email indicating it was on behalf of President Donald J. Trump, and sources within the Justice Department believe it was due to Schleifer's involvement in a case involving Andrew Wiederhorn, the former CEO of Fat Brands Inc., who was indicted for allegedly hiding millions in financial transactions. This action marks a significant departure from traditional practices regarding the dismissal of career federal prosecutors, leading many to view it as an alarming precedent. The White House has reportedly orchestrated the dismissal of over 50 U.S. attorneys and deputies in recent weeks, asserting a need for a judiciary aligned with their vision of law enforcement. Such mass firings of career line prosecutors are unprecedented and suggest an aggressive approach by the presidential administration to influence federal law enforcement. Critics argue that this trend may intimidate remaining prosecutors and undermine the integrity of the judicial system in the long run. Adam Schleifer had previously criticized President Trump on social media, suggesting personal biases may have played a role in his termination. The decision has also been met with discontent among legal experts and former federal officials. They express concern that these purges threaten the autonomy of the judicial branch by signaling a potential line of accountability to political spheres instead of adherence to the law. The firings reflect a broader trend during Trump's administration, as he has regularly criticized the Department of Justice, alleging it had been politicized. This dismissal of career prosecutors is seen as a shocking move against norms that help to maintain checks and balances within federal law enforcement and exemplifies how the current administration may be willing to reshape legal practices to ensure that the enforcement of law aligns with political objectives.