In a startling development, at least eight senior federal prosecutors involved in the US Capitol riot cases from January 6, 2021, have been demoted to entry-level positions, as revealed by sources and memos obtained by CNN. Acting US attorney Ed Martin’s actions in Washington, DC, are perceived as retaliatory moves by a loyalist of former President Donald Trump, aiming to compel the prosecutors to resign.

These unprecedented demotions include key figures from the Federal Major Crimes division and the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights division, prompting astonishment from a former prosecutor who described the situation as incomprehensible. Martin emphasized that these changes are permanent, indicating a significant shift within the department.

This controversy is the latest in a series of tumultuous events at the Justice Department under Trump appointees’ influence. Notably, Deputy US Attorney Emil Bove’s directive to drop a case against New York Mayor Eric Adams led to the resignation of several prosecutors, underscoring the discord within the department.

Martin’s alignment with Trump’s interests has raised concerns, with his office being referred to as “President Trump’s lawyers” and his association with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. The demotions and reshuffling of personnel are viewed as an attempt to push out dissenting voices, causing dissent and resignations within the ranks.

Despite the turmoil, Martin’s nomination for the full-time US attorney position highlights the contentious atmosphere within the department. The situation is further complicated by internal investigations and clashes with prosecutors over legal decisions, exemplifying the ongoing power struggles and controversies within the Justice Department.