Fox News Digital reports that more than 10,000 federal lawyers — roughly a fifth of all attorneys employed by the US government — have left their posts since the start of 2025, and that Democratic state attorneys general are recruiting some of them to strengthen legal challenges against President Trump's second-term agenda. The trend matters because it points to a growing pool of experienced government lawyers now potentially working against the administration in court, bolstering blue states' litigation efforts.

Drawing on New York Times employment data alongside its own review of LinkedIn profiles, state staff directories, official statements and court filings, Fox News Digital identified well over 100 former federal attorneys who have since joined Democratic attorneys general's offices, some appearing in cases challenging the administration. The outlet cautions that its review does not establish why any individual left federal service, and that the true figure is likely higher given incomplete public records. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield praised the arrivals as talented public servants now working on consumer protection, federal overreach, criminal justice and environmental cases.