Longtime Justice Department Official Denise Cheung Refuses to Open Investigation Without Evidence
WASHINGTON — A senior federal prosecutor resigned Tuesday, citing orders from Trump-appointed officials to take actions unsupported by evidence. Denise Cheung, a 24-year veteran of the Justice Department, refused to launch a criminal investigation without sufficient legal basis.
Cheung’s Resignation Letter Details Concerns
Cheung led the criminal division at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. In her resignation letter to interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin, she stated that she always provided ethical and sound legal advice. She wrote that she was asked to take investigative steps without enough supporting evidence.
Cheung said she was directed to review documents from the Office of the Deputy Attorney General (ODAG), led by acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove. The request involved investigating whether an executive agency unlawfully awarded a contract during President Joe Biden’s administration.
Her letter did not name the specific contracts, but sources told NBC News they were environmental grants issued under Biden.
Justice Department Defends Its Actions
A Department of Justice spokesperson pushed back on Cheung’s claims. The spokesperson stated that refusing to pause an investigation to examine potential government waste was not an act of heroism but a failure to follow orders.
The resignation adds to the turmoil within the Justice Department. Recently, seven prosecutors stepped down instead of complying with orders to drop a case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Critics labeled the decision politically motivated.
Martin’s Role in the Controversy
Interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin, appointed by the Trump administration, has drawn criticism for his past actions. He previously promoted election conspiracy theories and advocated for Jan. 6 defendants. After taking office, he disbanded the unit investigating Capitol rioters and launched a review of their cases.
Cheung’s resignation letter describes how officials pressured her to act quickly. She was told the issue was urgent because contract recipients could continue withdrawing funds. However, after consulting with other attorneys, she concluded that existing documents did not justify opening a grand jury investigation.
Attempt to Bypass Prosecutors
According to Cheung, an ODAG representative insisted there was enough basis for an investigation. She was then informed that ODAG would work directly with a federal prosecutor, bypassing her office. The officials proposed issuing a “freeze letter” to a bank handling the contract disbursements.
Cheung sought guidance from the FBI Washington Field Office. Together, they evaluated whether any criminal charges applied and assessed the strength of the evidence. She later received a draft freeze letter from the FBI. However, she found ODAG’s suggested language inappropriate and refused to proceed.
Political Influence Raises Alarm
Cheung’s departure raises fresh concerns about political interference in federal prosecutions. The Justice Department has faced accusations of using investigations to target political opponents. Her resignation underscores the internal tensions over prosecutorial independence.
With Martin’s controversial history and the wave of resignations, the Justice Department remains under intense scrutiny. Whether further departures follow remains to be seen, but Cheung’s decision signals growing unease among career prosecutors over politically motivated actions.
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