Top DOJ Official Resigns, Citing Toxic Work Environment and Hostility Towards Career Staff

A top Department of Justice official, Joshua Stueve, has resigned due to a "toxic work environment" within the agency. Stueve, who has served in administrations headed by both parties, submitted a bombshell letter to the department's leadership this week.

"Simply put, I cannot continue to serve in such a hostile and toxic work environment," Stueve wrote.

The resignation comes amid deep and devastating cuts to federal agencies by the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk and his acolytes have acquired significant access to internal government systems since the beginning of the second term of President Donald Trump in January.

Stueve, who has been a senior communications advisor at DoJ since January 2021, noted in his letter that he has served both parties.

"To be clear, the outcome of the most recent general election did not influence my decision," he said.

Stueve said the lack of "basic decency" at the department was "heartbreaking." The former spokesperson went on to say that his colleagues were "true patriots."

Others at the department have faced firings and some have resigned in the first weeks of Trump's second term. Top career officials at both the Department of Justice and the FBI have been targeted, such as those who worked on investigations into the president.

"I sincerely wish you and those who remain the very best," Stueve told his colleagues. "You all have been such wonderful teammates over the years — dedicated, honest, loyal public servants who do the job not for the title, and certainly not for the miniscule paycheck, but for your deep passion for the mission and service to your country. You are true patriots and the very best our country has to offer.