According to a recent report based on federal employment data, over 10,000 lawyers have left the U.S. federal government since the end of 2024, with one-fifth of government lawyers employed in December 2024 departing by March 2025.. Many of these lawyers have reportedly taken positions with Democratic state attorneys general and nonprofit organizations,while former President Trump has characterized them as 'Radical Left Deep State Lunatics.'

10,000 departures in three months: a one-fifth loss

The federal employment data,cited in the report,shows that approximately one-fifth of government lawyers employed at the end of December 2024 had left by March 2025—an exodus of over 10,000 attorneys in just three months. the report notes that typical turnover and resignations from staff who objected to Trump's policies both contributed to the large volume of departures.

Trump's 'Radical Left Deep State Lunatics' statement

In a statement, former President Trump described the lawyers who left as 'Radical Left Deep State Lunatics' who are 'destroying our Country, and Weaponizing Government,' adding that he wishes them well. The report suggests that the staffing reductions are a result of the administration's policies, while Trump's statement implies they are a consequence of his efforts to 'MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.'

From federal payroll to Democratic state AGs and nonprofits

The report indicates that many of the departing lawyers have moved to positions at Democratic state attorneys general offices and nonprofit organizations opposed to the administration.. This shift could bolster legal challenges to federal policies at the state level, as the federal government loses institutional knowledge and experienced litigators.

What remains unknown: the long-term impact on federal legal capacity

The report does not specify which agencies were hardest hit or whether critical departments like the Department of Justice have been particularly hollowed out.. Open questions include how quickly these positions will be filled, whether temporary hires or contractors can compensate, and what effect the loss of expertise will have on federal court cases and regulatory enforcement. The report also lacks detail on the exact number of lawyers who resigned versus those who were terminated or retired.