Washington: The Trump administration’s push to reshape the federal government has led to a wave of high-profile resignations. Several federal employees resign after clashing with administration policies and leadership decisions.
FDA Official Resigns Over Downsizing Concerns
Jim Jones, who led food safety and nutrition at the FDA, resigned due to disagreements with the administration’s restructuring efforts. He criticized plans to downsize the agency, calling them “thoughtless.” Jones supported the priorities set by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. but expressed concern that there would be no staff left to implement them. He also dismissed Kennedy’s claims that FDA employees are “corrupt” due to industry-funded user fees, calling the accusations “absurd.”
DOJ Prosecutor Steps Down Amid Controversial Probe
Denise Cheung, a top prosecutor at the DC U.S. Attorney’s Office, resigned after refusing to open a grand jury investigation she viewed as premature. The investigation focused on an EPA funding decision made during the Biden administration. Cheung’s resignation came after pressure from her Trump-appointed superiors, including Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove and Ed Martin, Trump’s nominee for DC U.S. Attorney.
Social Security Chief Resigns Over Privacy Dispute
Michelle King, acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration, resigned after refusing to grant the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) access to sensitive Social Security recipient data. King, a longtime SSA employee, stepped down over the weekend following pressure from DOGE staffers.
A Growing Trend of Resignations
These departures highlight the growing tension between federal employees and the Trump administration. As efforts to overhaul agencies continue, more resignations could follow, potentially impacting the effectiveness of federal programs.
