Ex-DOJ official goes public with blistering criticism of his former bosses

Jonathan Gross left the Department of Justice earlier this year and has become an outspoken critic of the department's leadership. This month, Gross gave an extensive in-studio interview to Brandon Straka, a conservative influencer and former Jan. 6 riot defendant, and appeared visibly frustrated with the direction of the department under Todd Blanche, the acting attorney general. Brandon Straka via YouTube hide caption toggle caption Brandon Straka via YouTube A former political appointee at the Trump Justice Department has emerged as one of its most outspoken critics, accusing his former bosses, particularly acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, of "very sloppy" work, "sabotage," careerism and betrayal of the Trump agenda. Attorney Jonathan Gross is also revealing new information about the inner workings of the department's "Weaponization Working Group," an internal effort launched by former Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate claims that federal law enforcement was politicized under the Biden administration. His public break with the department comes at a delicate time for the Trump administration. As the president gears up for the midterm elections some members of the MAGA base have expressed frustration at what they see as a failure to deliver on promises of accountability. The Justice Department did not respond to NPR's request for comment. Gross joined the Justice Department's civil rights division last summer after representing defendants charged in the Jan. …