Federal attorneys are leaving the Trump administration in significant numbers, moving to Democratic state attorneys general’s offices. This trend coincides with heightened legal challenges against the president’s agenda, particularly in his second term.

Data reviewed by Fox News Digital and analyzed by the New York Times reveals that over 10,000 federal lawyers, about 20% of the federal legal workforce, have departed since 2025. A substantial number of these attorneys, exceeding 100, have transitioned to roles in Democratic attorneys general’s offices.

Fox News Digital examined various public resources, including LinkedIn profiles and court filings, to trace these movements. The review found former federal lawyers now defending cases against the Trump administration.

“Oregon DOJ is a destination for some of the most talented public servants in the country,” stated Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, referencing attorneys transitioning from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Since January 2025, former federal lawyers have joined in challenging various Trump policies. This includes legal actions against restrictions on transgender healthcare and research grant terminations, among others. These lawyers, while sometimes not directly named in filings, support Democrat-led efforts through joint lawsuits and collaborating across states.

Democratic attorneys general have been strategically coordinating to resist the administration’s policies by leveraging joint legal actions. Staff from their offices maintain daily communications to hold the federal government accountable.

Many of the federal attorneys who transitioned to Democratic state offices had careers focused on civil rights, immigration, environmental law, and other key areas. These attorneys, generally career civil servants rather than political appointees, bring extensive experience to their new roles in state governments.

One notable transition is of a lawyer who served at the Department of Justice for nearly two decades. This individual now works in Colorado, engaging in legal fights against the Trump administration’s federal grant policies.

Multiple high-profile attorneys have left federal service post-2025, including those from Health and Human Services and the Department of Homeland Security. The reasons for these departures vary and are not always disclosed.

“Experienced federal prosecutors and lawyers are choosing state service,” Rayfield added, praising their decision to work for state interests.

The second Trump administration has faced challenges, such as defending controversial immigration policies. Bloomberg Law reported issues arising from the loss of experienced attorneys, highlighting a significant impact on policy defense capabilities.

Despite these losses, the Trump administration claims continued success. A DOJ spokesperson stated impressive achievements in crime reduction, drugs seizure, and Supreme Court victories, arguing that the attrition of lawyers has not hindered their operations.

The administration continues efforts to recruit ideologically aligned attorneys. Agencies like DOJ, the Department of Education, and EPA witnessed the most significant staff changes, with several lawyers finding new roles in states like California and Maryland.

The White House maintains that departures were part of a strategy to streamline government operations. Meanwhile, President Trump has publicly criticized some of the departing attorneys as “Radical Left Deep State Lunatics.”

The ongoing shift reflects a notable realignment within the legal landscape, affecting both federal and state-level legal strategies.