Jay Bratt, the top hatchet man for Jack Smith, recently resigned from the Justice Department in a move that has sent shockwaves through the Deep State. Bratt, who played a key role in spearheading the controversial Mar-a-Lago raid, was known for his aggressive tactics and his involvement in the Trump-Russia investigation. His sudden departure comes amidst rumors of retaliation from the incoming Trump administration.
According to reports from Michael Isikoff of SpyTalk, Bratt’s resignation was a preemptive move to avoid potential backlash from Pam Bondi, Trump’s pick for attorney general, and Kash Patel, his intended nominee for FBI Director. The decision to step down was described as a significant event that could signal the beginning of an exodus of experienced government lawyers and FBI agents who fear reprisal from the new administration.
One of the most notable incidents involving Bratt was his confrontation with Stanley Woodward, an attorney representing Trump’s valet driver Walt Nauta. Bratt allegedly attempted to bribe Woodward and threatened him with consequences if he did not convince Nauta to testify against Trump. The DOJ was forced to respond to a complaint of prosecutorial misconduct filed by Woodward, which shed light on Bratt’s unethical behavior.
In a surprising turn of events, President Trump announced that Stanley Woodward will be joining his team as Assistant to the President and Senior Counselor. This appointment comes as a response to the alleged threats made by Jack Smith’s office and highlights Trump’s support for individuals who have been targeted by the previous administration.
The resignation of Jay Bratt and the subsequent appointment of Stanley Woodward signal a shifting landscape in Washington, as the power dynamics between the outgoing and incoming administrations continue to evolve. The controversy surrounding Bratt’s actions and the response from President Trump underscore the ongoing tensions within the Justice Department and the broader political arena.