Prosecutor fired over Trump criticism sues Justice Department

A federal prosecutor fired for writing critical blog posts about Donald Trump is suing the Justice Department, alleging his termination violated his First Amendment rights. Will Rosenzweig was dismissed less than three hours after a conservative commentator publicized his years-old blog and tagged senior Justice Department officials. The lawsuit states Rosenzweig was two weeks from trying a multimillion-dollar Medicare fraud case when he received an email from then-Attorney General Pam Bondi informing him of his firing. This dismissal is described as part of a broader personnel purge within the department targeting those seen as opposing the administration's efforts. Rosenzweig, who worked in the Miami federal prosecutor's office for five years, seeks reinstatement, back pay, and a declaration that his firing was unlawful. His lawyers highlighted his strong performance, noting he had received consistent praise and awards, and was even told he would receive a special parking spot for his work. "Will Rosenzweig was an excellent prosecutor who returned millions of dollars to the taxpayers by prosecuting healthcare fraud cases," his lawyers said in a statement. "Yet the Department of Justice fired him on the eve of trial because, years ago as a private citizen, he published criticisms of President Trump. Since the current Department of Justice will not stand up for the first amendment and the American people, we will. We look forward to vindicating Will’s rights in court."

The lawsuit contends that the blog, which had been defunct for over six years at the time of his firing, covered a range of topics including travel and sports, alongside critical observations about Trump and other political candidates. The complaint characterizes the firing as a direct assault on Rosenzweig's free-speech rights, arguing that the department's conduct implies a citizen must permanently refrain from criticizing the government and its leaders to serve it. This, the suit claims, forces Americans to choose between free speech and government service.

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Will Rosenzweig was an excellent prosecutor who returned millions of dollars to the taxpayers by prosecuting healthcare fraud cases. Yet the Department of Justice fired him on the eve of trial because, years ago as a private citizen, he published criticisms of President Trump. Since the current Department of Justice will not stand up for the first amendment and the American people, we will. We look forward to vindicating Will’s rights in court.