Shocked Ex-Official Fires Back After Trump 'Retribution'

Legal Battle Over Termination: A Federal Prosecutor's Fight Against the Trump Administration

A federal prosecutor based in Tampa, Michael Gordon, is currently engaged in a legal battle against U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi over his termination. He claims that his dismissal was politically motivated and linked to his role in prosecuting individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Gordon is one of three Department of Justice (DOJ) employees who have filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, alleging that their dismissals were retaliatory actions stemming from their involvement in cases related to the events of that day.

The lawsuit centers on the claim that Bondi violated established procedures for terminating federal employees who are protected under civil service laws. According to Gordon, these laws clearly outline the necessary steps that must be followed when firing such employees, and he asserts that these guidelines were completely ignored in his case.

Gordon recounts that he was conducting a virtual witness preparation interview on June 27 when an administrative officer asked him to pause the call. During this time, he was handed a one-page document signed by Bondi that stated his removal as an Assistant U.S. Attorney would take effect immediately, with no explanation provided for his termination.

Retribution and Political Motives

The Trump administration has been known for its efforts to remove individuals within the federal government who have been involved in investigations related to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Reports indicate that the DOJ requested information about potentially thousands of FBI employees involved in the investigation, and numerous career prosecutors have been fired in recent months.

Gordon notes that the morale within the DOJ is currently low, with many employees questioning whether they might be next. This uncertainty has led to concerns about the independence of federal prosecutors, as some are now wondering if their decisions will be influenced by political considerations rather than the facts and law.

A Shift in Perspective

Gordon has spent his entire legal career fighting on behalf of the government. However, he now finds himself in a position where he is fighting against it. He recalls how he once began court proceedings by stating, “Your honor, Mike Gordon for the United States.” Now, his name appears on a federal lawsuit as “Mike Gordon v. the United States,” a situation he describes as bizarre and unexpected.

Gordon started his career in the Middle District of Florida in 2017, working in the violent crime and narcotics section before volunteering to prosecute those involved in the January 6 riot. He became a senior trial counsel in the Capitol Siege Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, handling high-profile cases involving individuals such as Richard Barnett and Ray Epps.

At the time of his termination, Gordon was involved in 17 cases for the Middle District of Florida, had 20 ongoing investigations, and was scheduled to oversee at least six trials between now and September.

Concerns About the Justice System

During the 2024 campaign, Trump indicated that he would grant clemency to some of his supporters who participated in the January 6 attack. Gordon anticipated that this might happen if Trump were re-elected. However, he was shocked when Trump commuted the sentences of some individuals convicted of participating in the events of that day and granted a full and unconditional pardon to more than 1,000 others charged in the attack.

Gordon expressed surprise at Trump’s actions, noting that the former president had previously supported law enforcement and claimed to back “the blue.” He believed that pardoning individuals who had assaulted law enforcement officers was both morally and ethically wrong and could have inflamed his base politically.

Personal Reflections

Despite living in Tampa prior to her appointment as AG, Gordon says he has never met Bondi. He speculates that she may not have known who he was, suggesting that someone else may have identified him for political reasons, leading to his name being placed on a letter that eventually reached her desk.

Gordon plans to use the public attention surrounding his case to raise awareness about the potential impact of the Trump administration on the justice system. He compares the current state of affairs to a house doused with gasoline and a match in the corner, urging people to speak out before the situation escalates further.