Trump DOJ appointee resigns after leading 'grand conspiracy' probe

U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones has resigned from his position at the Justice Department, according to Attorney General Todd Blanche. Blanche announced the resignation on X, noting it was the second high-profile departure at the department following recent midterm election losses for Republicans.

Reding Quiñones led a probe referred to as a 'grand conspiracy' investigation, which aimed to examine federal law enforcement officials involved in prior investigations of former President Donald Trump. The probe sought to link past actions to more recent legal actions against Trump, including charges related to the 2020 election and classified documents.

Blanche acknowledged Reding Quiñones' contributions to the department, citing his work on violent crime, drug trafficking, and international criminal cases. Reding Quiñones himself expressed pride in his accomplishments and gratitude for his service in a social media post.

The 'grand conspiracy' probe did not result in any direct charges. Legal experts have criticized the effort, with one former Justice Department lawyer calling Reding Quiñones 'Don Quixote' for pursuing what she described as an 'impossible dream.'

Other recent resignations at the Justice Department include Joe diGenova, who worked under Reding Quiñones and blamed internal conflicts for his departure. The department has faced challenges in prosecuting Trump allies, with several cases dismissed or abandoned.

Federal prosecutors continue to pursue cases against former Trump associates, including former FBI Director James Comey, over alleged misconduct in 2016. The department has also faced setbacks in cases involving former White House officials and FBI agents.