Key Departures at the Department of Justice Following Midterm Elections
In a significant reshuffle at the Department of Justice (DOJ), Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the resignations of John Eisenberg and Jason Reding Quiñones on November 6, 2026. These departures follow a series of high-level changes within the DOJ after the recent midterm elections.
John Eisenberg’s Resignation
John Eisenberg, who led the National Security Division at the DOJ, has stepped down, marking his exit as the third senior official to leave since the elections. Following the announcement, Attorney General Blanche took to social media to commend Eisenberg’s service: “He has served with distinction, strengthening our nation’s ability to address threats, both foreign and domestic.” Under Eisenberg’s leadership, the Division advanced initiatives aimed at securing national safety, including the prosecution of terrorism-related cases.
This was Eisenberg’s second tenure in the Trump administration, having previously served as an assistant and deputy counsel to the president, along with his role as a legal advisor to the National Security Council.
Jason Reding Quiñones Resigns
Shortly after Eisenberg’s announcement, Attorney General Blanche revealed the resignation of Jason Reding Quiñones, the U.S. Attorney for Florida’s Southern District. Quiñones is notably recognized for securing an indictment against Raúl Castro, the former president of Cuba. This indictment stemmed from Castro’s involvement in the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft operated by Brothers to the Rescue, resulting in the deaths of four U.S. nationals.
In his announcement, Blanche expressed gratitude for Quiñones’s contributions in combating violent crime, drug trafficking, and other forms of transnational crime: “Jason has served the Department multiple times over his distinguished career, and we thank him for his service to this country.”
Additional Departures from the DOJ
The changes at the DOJ continue with the recent resignation of Harmeet Dhillon, the head of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division. Dhillon stated in an interview that she planned to resign three weeks prior to the announcement but was persuaded by White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles to delay her departure until after the midterms. Dhillon emphasized her commitment to serve the country, especially following the personal losses of her husband and father.
Her tenure included a focus on issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), religious discrimination, and election integrity. Notably, she defended the Trump administration’s investigation into voter fraud relating to noncitizen voters.
Chief Editor of Quincy City Beat — Quincy, MA's independent investigative newspaper covering Greater Boston and the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts with fearless public accountability and free access for all readers.
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