Department of Justice Spokesperson Resigns Amid Toxic Work Environment

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The Department of Justice has seen a significant resignation with Joshua Stueve, a senior communications adviser and spokesperson, submitting his resignation letter citing a "hostile and toxic work environment". This development comes amid ongoing upheaval in the federal government, with multiple officials resigning in protest since President Donald Trump began his second term. Stueve's resignation is effective September 30, 2025, as stated in his letter, which was shared by CBS News producer Michael Kaplan on X, formerly Twitter.

Stueve emphasized that his decision to resign was not influenced by the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, but rather the sudden disappearance of "basic decency" from his workplace. He expressed his disappointment, stating that it has been an honor to serve the department under multiple administrations, both Republican and Democratic, which previously treated career staff with respect and dignity. However, he noted that the current leadership makes it clear that career staff are not welcome or valued, and are not trusted to do their jobs. The Department of Justice has been facing significant challenges, including the implementation of cost-cutting measures by the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk.

The situation at the DOJ has been escalating, with a significant number of officials resigning in protest, accusing the new administration of corruption and demanding the launch of politically motivated investigations. The Department of Government Efficiency has been aggressively targeting government agencies, initiating mass firings, and demanding that remaining workers justify their employment in writing and submit to constant monitoring. This has inspired heavy backlash and lawsuits from workers and federal unions. Stueve's resignation may not be the last, as the future remains uncertain and the federal government continues to face upheaval.

A timeline of events leading to Stueve's resignation includes: * January 20: President Donald Trump begins his second term * Recent weeks: The Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, initiates cost-cutting measures and mass firings * Wednesday night: Trump signs an executive order demanding that federal agency heads work with "DOGE Team Leads" to justify spending on government contracts and grants within 30 days * Thursday: Stueve submits his resignation letter, citing a "hostile and toxic work environment" * September 30, 2025: Stueve's resignation is set to take effect. The views of multiple stakeholders, including Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and former federal prosecutor Hagan Scotten, have been reported, with Greene stating that federal employees do not deserve their jobs or paychecks, and Scotten resigning over concerns about the government using its power to induce elected officials to support its policy objectives.

Joshua Stueve's background includes serving as a Marine Corps veteran, a Marine Corps media chief in New York City, and a Public Affairs Officer for the National Intrepid Center of Excellence at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He started his DOJ stint in 2010, under former President Barack Obama, and was a spokesman for former Special Counsel Robert Mueller during the Trump-Russia investigation. The resignation of Stueve, a top spokesperson for the Department of Justice, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the federal government and the impact of the toxic work environment on career staff.