The Political Scene | The New Yorker A Former Federal Prosecutor on Why He Quit Donald Trump’s Department of Justice
Mar 31, 2026
Troy Edwards, a former assistant U.S. attorney who led national-security prosecutions and resigned over politicization, discusses prosecuting January 6 cases and supervising EDVA’s sensitive work. He explains the indictment that pushed him to quit. He reflects on family fallout, the emotional cost of leaving, and why some supervisors should walk away while line prosecutors may need to stay.
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Why He Stayed To Protect Critical National Security Work
- Troy Edwards stayed initially because EDVA's national-security unit had critical cases and victims that needed continuity despite political upheaval.
- He viewed some offices' refusals to engage as signs the institution still had principled career prosecutors protecting core missions.
Courtroom Moment That Triggered His Resignation
- Troy Edwards describes learning his sister-in-law Maureen Comey was abruptly fired and then witnessing James Comey indicted in EDVA.
- He went to the public courtroom, heard the indictment, then returned to his office that night and packed his things.
Resignation As A Stand Against Politicized Prosecutions
- Edwards resigned because indicting a perceived political enemy signaled the DOJ was following presidential directives rather than facts and law.
- His supervisory role meant staying would tacitly signal acceptance to his unit, so leaving protected institutional norms.