Denise Cheung, the Criminal Chief at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington, D.C., resigned citing an improper demand from officials appointed by the Trump administration to initiate a criminal investigation and freeze assets. Cheung's resignation follows a series of high-profile departures from the Department of Justice, including seven officials who resigned last week rather than dismiss charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
The top federal prosecutor overseeing criminal cases in Washington, D.C., resigned on Tuesday, citing an improper demand from officials appointed by the Trump administration to initiate a criminal investigation and freeze assets. Denise Cheung , the Criminal Chief at the U.S. Attorney's Office, stated in a letter to interim U.S.
Attorney Ed Martin that officials from the Trump administration had directed her to investigate a government contract awarded during the Biden administration and pursue an asset freeze against the recipient. Cheung, a graduate of Harvard Law School, did not disclose the specific details leading to her decision. However, her resignation occurred a day after Trump nominated Martin to lead the office. The President praised Martin's career of service, highlighting his work as the human rights office director for the Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis, a judicial clerk to Judge Pasco M. Bowman, II, of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, and his private legal practice. Martin is also recognized for his legal defense of individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Notably, he represented at least three defendants, including a Proud Boys member who pleaded guilty. Martin has publicly downplayed the events of January 6, suggesting that 99.9% of those charged were 'normal people doing normal things.' Cheung, in her resignation letter, expressed her commitment to upholding the Constitution, stating, 'This office is a special place. I took an oath of office to support and defend the Constitution, and I have executed this duty faithfully.' Cheung's resignation follows a series of high-profile departures from the Department of Justice. Last week, seven officials within the U.S. Attorney's office in Manhattan and at department headquarters resigned, choosing to step down rather than dismiss charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Adams was indicted in September 2024 on federal charges, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, wire fraud, solicitation of contributions by a foreign national, and bribery. He is accused of accepting over $100,000 in luxury gifts and illegal campaign contributions from Turkish officials and businesspeople in exchange for opening a consulate in New York without proper fire inspections. Adams vehemently denies all allegations against him. The resignations come amid ongoing turmoil within the Department of Justice. Over the holiday weekend, the Social Security Administration's (SSA) acting commissioner and the head of the food division at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also resigned due to cuts and requests for highly classified information from the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Donald Trump Department Of Justice Denise Cheung Ed Martin Eric Adams Capitol Riot Resignation Political Turmoil
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