Jason Reding Quinones, the US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, submitted his resignation on Friday, according to Attorney General Todd Blanche. Quinones, described as a Trump loyalist, had overseen a federal investigation into Russia’s alleged support for Trump’s 2016 election campaign. While a special investigator determined there was no direct collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, the matter has remained a point of contention in political discourse.
Quinones’ departure follows scrutiny over his role in investigations that critics have characterized as politically motivated. The investigation led to subpoenas for three former officials: former CIA director John Brennan, former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, and former FBI Director James Comey. No charges have been filed against any of these individuals. Separately, Comey faces an indictment related to a social media post prosecutors alleged was a threat against the president, filed in April, with additional potential charges related to classified information. A judge had previously dismissed an earlier case against Comey in November.
During his tenure, Quinones also oversaw the indictment of 94-year-old Cuban revolutionary Raul Castro as part of broader Trump administration initiatives. In a statement, Blanche credited Quinones for his work combating violent crime, drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and transnational crime.
Quinones’ resignation is part of a broader departure of high-level Justice Department officials. Harmeet Dhillon, head of the DOJ’s civil rights division and another Trump ally, exited her position the day before Quinones resigned. Dhillon faced criticism over her management of the division, which enforces anti-discrimination laws. Additionally, John Eisenberg, the assistant attorney general overseeing the national security division, submitted his resignation on Friday.
These departures occur as the Trump administration prepares for increased congressional scrutiny. Democrats gained sweeping control of the US House of Representatives and Senate, gaining investigative and oversight powers including subpoena authority. Multiple congressional investigations are expected to focus on allegations regarding politicization of the Justice Department.
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