Watchdog to investigate sudden resignation of Georgia attorney criticised by Trump
Byung J Pak was appointed by Trump in 2017
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A government watchdog is investigating the abrupt resignation of the US attorney in Atlanta, says a report.
Byung J Pak quit his position after then-president Donald Trump criticised officials for not doing enough to find election fraud.
The Justice Department’s inspector general Michael Horowitz is in the early stages of looking into the sudden departure of Mr Pak, according to the Washington Post.
Investigators have reportedly not yet interviewed Mr Pak, who surprisingly announced on 4 January he was leaving as the US attorney for the Northern District of Georgia.
Mr Pak’s top deputy was bypassed by Mr Trump as he picked a temporary replacement.
The resignation came the day after the Washington Post reported that Mr Trump had called Georgia’s secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, and demanded he “find” enough votes to overturn his defeat to Joe Biden.
Observers have suggested that the call may result in criminal investigation of the former president for breaking the state’s laws on interfering in election results.
Mr Pak, who was appointed by Mr Trump in 2017, has returned to an Atlanta law firm as a partner in litigation and trial practice.
He reportedly left after receiving a call from a senior Justice Department official that led him to believe he should resign, according to the Washington Post.
Mr Trump had refused to concede his defeat to Mr Biden at the time, and was falsely claiming widespread voter fraud in the state.
The former president was reportedly angry that Mr Pak’s office and other agencies in the state were not doing more to help him prove his claims.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments