U.S. Attorney in Arizona Dismissed by President Trump

By Matthew Holloway |

In a significant development for the legal landscape in Arizona, U.S. Attorney Gary M. Restaino has been removed from his position by order of President Donald Trump. This announcement came from the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona (USAO-AZ) on Tuesday. U.S. Attorneys operate at the discretion of the President, who retains the authority to terminate appointments as desired.

Restaino had been appointed to the role in 2021 by former President Joe Biden. A press release issued by the USAO-AZ stated that Restaino was notified by the White House on Monday that his service to the Department of Justice would be concluded immediately. The statement included gratitude for his contributions to the nation during his tenure.

In his own remarks, Restaino expressed appreciation for the opportunity to lead a team he has long been part of. “I am grateful to President Biden for the appointment, to Senators Kelly and Sinema for their support of my nomination, and to Attorney General Garland for his stewardship of the Department of Justice,” he stated. He also emphasized his gratitude for his colleagues in Arizona, highlighting the collaborative spirit and commitment of those working to enhance community safety.

As of now, neither the White House nor the Department of Justice has provided insights into the reasons behind Restaino’s removal. The suddenness of the change raises questions about the potential motivations within the current administration.