Marine Corps veteran Joshua Stueve, a high-ranking Justice Department spokesman, resigned this week and accused the new Trump administration of creating a "hostile and toxic work environment."
In a letter posted by NBC's Ryan Reilly on Bluesky, Stueve said the outcome of the 2024 election did not sway his decision.
"In fact, it has been an honor to serve this department under multiple administrations led by both Republicans and Democrats, each of whom have previously treated career staff with respect and dignity. It is heartbreaking to see that basic decency come to an end," he wrote.
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Stueve has been at the Justice Department since 2010, and served through the first Trump administration. Even so, he said he couldn't stay in the department this time around.
"Simply put, I cannot continue to serve in such a hostile and toxic work environment, one where leadership at the highest levels makes clear we are not welcome or valued, much less trusted to do our jobs," he added.
Stueve said that he spent 23 years in public service with nearly a decade in active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps. He said he was forced to leave active duty as a "disabled veteran."
His name adds to several other Justice Department prosecutors who resigned or were fired recently.
