Top federal prosecutors in New York withdrew from a high-profile legal conference, signaling escalating tensions between the Justice Department and legal critics. The New York City Bar Association, a vocal opponent of President Trump’s policies, has faced pushback from the department since its leaders condemned Trump’s executive orders targeting law firms. This year’s white-collar crime conference saw abrupt withdrawals from Amanda Houle and Alixandra Smith, Manhattan and Brooklyn U.S. attorney’s office leaders, alongside SEC and CFTC officials. Todd Blanche, the acting attorney general, previously barred Justice Department lawyers from ABA events, accusing the group of partisanship.

The rift reflects broader ideological clashes, with the bar association calling recent prosecutions—like the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey—a politically motivated retaliation. Legal experts warn this breakdown in professional collaboration could undermine judicial fairness and erode public trust in impartial enforcement.