DOJ Vet: US Less Safe Amid Staff Cuts, War

DOJ Veteran Warns of Diminished National Security Amid Staff Purges and Global Conflict

WASHINGTON D.C. – As the United States grapples with escalating global tensions and a rise in domestic threats, a former Department of Justice attorney has sounded the alarm over what she describes as a dangerous weakening of the nation’s national security apparatus. Stacey Young, who spent nearly two decades as a senior trial attorney at the DOJ and now leads the organization Justice Connection, asserts that significant cuts to experienced counterterrorism and national security staff within the FBI and DOJ have left the U.S. “simply less safe.” This warning comes in the wake of recent violent incidents, including an attack at a Michigan synagogue and a fatal shooting at Old Dominion University in Virginia, underscoring the urgency of these security concerns.

Allegations of Politicized Prosecutions Surface

The discussion around the DOJ’s integrity was further ignited by a federal judge’s decision to quash subpoenas issued by the DOJ against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols reportedly dismissed the subpoenas, citing their intent to pressure Powell and noting the government provided no evidence of wrongdoing. The judge’s ruling heavily emphasized former President Trump’s public criticism of Powell, a move that legal experts suggest highlights a pattern of politically motivated investigations.

Young commented on the ruling, stating, “Judge Boesberg clearly called a spade a spade in this case. This is one of many examples of DOJ bringing investigations or prosecutions simply because individuals are perceived enemies of the president.” She further elaborated that the evidence demonstrated the DOJ’s actions were not in good faith to enforce the law, but rather to “advance President Trump’s political agenda and to retaliate against one of his perceived enemies.” Young underscored the unusual nature of such a subpoena being quashed, noting the low standard typically required for their issuance.

Unprecedented Exodus of National Security Experts

The core of Young’s concern lies in recent reports indicating a substantial loss of experienced national security personnel within the FBI. According to MSNow, approximately 300 national security agents have departed the FBI since the Trump administration took office. Young characterized this exodus as “unprecedented,” “reckless,” “dangerous,” and “dumb.” She argued that this depletion of expertise occurs at a critical juncture, coinciding with the ongoing war in Iran, a nation identified as a top state sponsor of terrorism.

“We are dealing with a situation where we chose to go to war with Iran at a time when the apparatuses that should keep the homeland safe… are not as prepared to deal with it,” Young stated. “There was no reason to purge these individuals, and it’s leaving us far more vulnerable at a really perilous moment.” She emphasized that these departing individuals were top experts in counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and cyberterrorism, many of whom led substantial teams and were instrumental in safeguarding the nation.

Diminished Capacity to Counter Domestic Threats

The implications of these staff reductions extend to the FBI’s ability to monitor and neutralize domestic threats, including potential sleeper cells. In response to concerns about such cells, former President Trump stated on Wednesday, “We know where most of them are. We’ve got our eye on all of them, I think.” However, Young expressed skepticism about the feasibility of such claims given the diminished staffing levels.

“The president is correct. There are sleeper cells in our country. They pose very serious threats, but we can’t possibly be as prepared to deal with those threats when we’ve gutted national security experts from DOJ and the FBI,” Young countered. She reiterated that the U.S. is “simply less safe right now” and is “much less prepared to deal with the consequences” of engaging in conflict with a dangerous nation like Iran.

Questions Raised Over FBI’s Operational Focus

Further compounding these concerns are reports detailing a significant drop in the FBI’s use of a key surveillance tool. Applications to employ this tool, crucial for tracking suspected terrorists, have reportedly fallen by over 50 percent in the last year. This decline in operational capacity is juxtaposed with recent news that FBI Director Kash Patel enlisted UFC cage fighters to train FBI agents in martial arts and takedown techniques.

“It tells me that we have the most unserious individual running the FBI that we’ve ever had. And when we seem to be dealing with very serious threats, the FBI director disappears. He was in Milan chugging beer with Olympic hockey players right before this country went to war. And when he is doing his job, he’s spending some of it firing the people who keep our country safe.”

Young sharply criticized these developments, calling the FBI director “the most unserious individual” to lead the bureau. She pointed to his reported activities, such as attending social events abroad while the nation faced escalating threats and prioritizing the dismissal of experienced personnel over their retention. The juxtaposition of martial arts training with the reported decrease in surveillance tool usage and the exodus of seasoned agents paints a concerning picture of the FBI’s current priorities and operational effectiveness.

A Troubling Contradiction in Messaging

Young concluded by highlighting the stark contrast between the administration’s public messaging and its actions. She noted a banner displayed on the Department of Justice building that reads, “Making America Safe Again,” featuring former President Trump’s image. “That is the opposite of what this administration is doing at DOJ and the FBI. And it’s terrifying,” she asserted.

Looking Ahead

As the nation navigates a complex geopolitical landscape and heightened domestic security challenges, the insights from former DOJ officials like Stacey Young underscore the critical need for experienced leadership and robust national security infrastructure. The coming months will likely see continued scrutiny of the FBI and DOJ’s staffing levels, operational strategies, and their preparedness to counter evolving threats, both foreign and domestic. The effectiveness of these institutions in maintaining national security will be a key indicator of the nation’s overall safety and stability.

Source: ‘We’re simply less safe’: Fmr. DOJ attorney on gutting of U.S. national security staff amid war (YouTube)