Tue Feb 18 22:19:12 UTC 2025: ## Top Federal Prosecutor Resigns, Citing Pressure from Trump Appointee
**Washington D.C.** – Denise Cheung, the head of the criminal division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, resigned Tuesday, citing pressure from a Trump appointee to launch a politically motivated criminal investigation. Cheung, a 24-year veteran of the Department of Justice (DOJ), refused to initiate a probe into a contract awarded during the Biden administration, stating in her resignation letter that she found no evidence of wrongdoing.
Cheung alleges that interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin, recently nominated by President Trump for the permanent position, pressured her to launch a grand jury investigation and then to issue a letter to a bank requesting an asset freeze, falsely framing it as part of a criminal investigation. Cheung explicitly stated in her letter to Martin that the evidence did not support such actions.
Martin, a far-right activist with ties to the January 6th Capitol riot and the “Stop the Steal” movement, has been accused of using his position to advance a politically motivated agenda.
Cheung’s resignation is the latest in a series of departures from the DOJ under the Trump administration. Last week, at least seven lawyers resigned after being pressured to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a move widely viewed as politically motivated. Acting Social Security Administration Commissioner Michelle King also resigned over the weekend following an attempt by the Department of Government Efficiency to access sensitive personal data.
President Trump, speaking from Mar-a-Lago, downplayed Cheung and King’s resignations, claiming they were fired and falsely accusing the Social Security Administration of “massive fraud.” He offered no evidence to support his claim. Cheung’s action, however, highlights growing concerns about the politicization of the DOJ under the current administration and the erosion of its commitment to impartial justice.
First Piper 