DOJ Civil Division Chief Resigns Amid Wave of Justice Department Departures

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — The leader of the Justice Department’s Civil Division stepped down on Monday, representing the latest exit in a significant series of departures following the Democratic takeover of both the House and Senate in the recent midterm elections.

Brett Shumate, who served as the assistant attorney general for the Civil Division, submitted his resignation while the office faces intense pressure defending the federal government against a high volume of litigation since the start of the Trump administration.

Attorney General Todd Blanche took to X to acknowledge Shumate’s contributions, specifically praising his work on important affirmative litigation to challenge sanctuary policies. Blanche also noted that Shumate was “delivering key wins in lawsuits against local policies that endangered federal law enforcement.”

This exit follows the departures last week of the assistant attorneys general for both the national security and civil rights divisions, leaving those two critical offices without leadership confirmed by the Senate.

Additionally, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, who was leading the investigation into an alleged grand conspiracy involving intelligence officials from the Obama and Biden eras, also left his post last week.

In related news, T. Elliot Gaiser, the assistant attorney general for the Office of Legal Counsel, is being considered by President Trump for a judicial seat on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. A Senate aide confirmed that the Justice Department has moved forward with his nomination paperwork.

The Office of Legal Counsel is responsible for providing legal guidance and opinions to the executive branch on complex matters. Gaiser is known for drafting contentious legal documents, including the classified justification for military boat strikes against vessels suspected of harboring drug traffickers.

While Gaiser lacks direct personal ties to Texas, he completed a one-year clerkship with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Shumate, who previously worked as a partner at Jones Day, was widely regarded by colleagues within the Civil Division as a sensible leader. This during a period of internal turmoil where the department frequently utilized novel or controversial legal strategies to shield the administration from numerous court challenges.

Shumate’s tenure in the division began during Trump’s first term. His resignation arrives shortly after Stephen Miller was appointed as the new White House chief of staff, succeeding Susie Wiles.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)