Former DOJ Appointee Jonathan Gross Criticizes Department Leadership

Jonathan Gross, a former political appointee at the Justice Department, has gone public with criticism of his former colleagues. " Gross joined the Justice Department's civil rights division last summer. He had previously represented defendants charged in the Jan.

6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Before taking those cases, Gross had no criminal defense experience. His appointment drew support from Trump allies. " Gross and Jared Wise, a former FBI agent also charged in the Jan.

6 investigation, joined the Weaponization Working Group shortly after its formation by former Attorney General Pam Bondi. The group was tasked with examining claims that federal law enforcement had been politicized during the Biden administration. Both men expected the group to produce findings on what they viewed as abuses in the Jan.

6 prosecutions. More than a year later, the department has released no report on those cases. Gross said his tenure ended after he repeatedly contacted superiors about cases he believed needed review and brought former Jan.

6 defendants into the Justice Department building to speak with officials. He said Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon told him "You can't do this" before he was placed on paid leave, moved to a different office and assigned other tasks. Since leaving, Gross has directed much of his criticism at Todd Blanche.

Blanche served as the department's No. 2 official before becoming acting attorney general following Pam Bondi's departure. " Blanche has denied the allegation. "I don't audition for this job," Blanche told CBS News last month.

"I've been the deputy attorney general for over a year, OK? " The Weaponization Working Group has shifted its focus. A source familiar with its activities said the group is now examining reports of alleged anti-Christian bias and targeting of people who protested at local school board meetings.

Prosecutors who worked on the Jan. 6 cases have denied wrongdoing. They have described the working group as a partisan effort related to the prosecutions, which resulted in injuries to 140 police officers.

Gross and Wise, who also recently left the administration, have stated that the group is no longer focused on the Jan. 6 investigations. " Gross replied, "They comprehend. " — Jared Wise (Npr) The public criticism comes as the Trump administration prepares for midterm elections.

Some supporters have expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of accountability measures related to prior investigations.