Attorney General Pam Bondi has terminated a Justice Department employee over alleged disrespectful conduct toward National Guard members who were deployed to Washington, D.C., as part of President Trump’s effort to curb crime in the city.
The employee, Elizabeth Baxter, worked as a paralegal specialist in the Environment and Natural Resources Division. Bondi’s memo, confirmed by the DOJ, states that Baxter’s employment is terminated effective immediately due to “inappropriate conduct towards National Guard service members.” The New York Post was the first to report Baxter’s firing.
A DOJ official told NBC News that Baxter was witnessed using a vulgar gesture and shouting at Guard members on multiple occasions. The incidents were reported to have occurred over the last two weeks, though NBC News has not independently verified every detail.
Gates McGavick, a DOJ spokesperson, praised the termination in a post on X, saying, “if you don’t support law enforcement, [Attorney General Pam Bondi’s] DOJ might not be a good fit.”
This marks the second time this month that Bondi has dismissed a DOJ employee for conduct she deemed inappropriate toward law enforcement personnel. Earlier, Bondi fired a department paralegal after he was filmed throwing a sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection agent outside a popular nightlife area in D.C. Bondi said at the time that the individual would not work in the administration while disrespecting government and law enforcement. The case involving that employee, Sean Dunn, did not result in felony charges after a grand jury declined to indict; Dunn was charged with misdemeanor assault by U.S. District Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
Trump has repeatedly framed his DC crime-reduction effort as highly successful, pointing to declines in acts such as carjackings. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers and many D.C. residents, have argued the operation is overblown, a scare tactic, and racially charged.
What this means: The prompt dismissal underscores a renewed emphasis on professional conduct toward law enforcement within federal operations. It also serves as a reminder that personnel actions within high-profile public safety initiatives are scrutinized and subject to swift disciplinary measures.
Summary: A DOJ paralegal in the Environment and Natural Resources Division was terminated for allegedly flipping off National Guard members during a high-profile security operation in Washington, with a DOJ spokesperson framing the move as part of a broader commitment to respect for law enforcement. The episode comes amid ongoing debate over the effectiveness and motives of the DC crime-reduction effort and its reception among politicians and residents.
Overall takeaway and possible positive spin: The incident highlights accountability within federal agencies and a stance that professional conduct toward those serving in security roles is non-negotiable. It can be framed as a step toward maintaining trust in law enforcement institutions and ensuring that official actions remain governed by respect and decorum, even amidst contentious political debates.