Justice Department swiftly fires lawyer chosen as top federal prosecutor for Virginia office - Associated Press News
AP News
February 21, 2026
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The Justice Department has swiftly dismissed Michael J. Tanaka, a lawyer who was recently appointed as the top federal prosecutor for Virginia's office. Tanaka, known for his role as a former federal prosecutor in Virginia and his service under former President Donald Trump at the DOJ, faced controversy due to his opposition during the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Tanaka's background includes significant experience in federal prosecution, which initially positioned him as a strong candidate. His prior actions, such as opposing state
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Originally published on AP News on 2/21/2026