After a stormy 5½-year tenure, Attorney General Eric Holder will formally announce Thursday that he plans to resign as the nation’s top law enforcement officer, two sources told Yahoo News.
Holder, who will reveal his plans in an appearance at the White House, will stay on until his successor is confirmed, the officials said on condition of anonymity. The White House announced that President Obama would make a “personnel announcement” at 4:30 p.m. in the White House’s State Dining Room.
The news was first reported by National Public Radio.
His decision to leave sets up a confirmation battle that will help define President Obama’s second term. Republicans are in good shape to retake the Senate in November, putting pressure on the White House to either find a compromise candidate or gird for a political war.
Holder, the first African-American U.S. attorney general, frequently found himself in the political crossfire — assailed by Republicans in Congress over scandals like the Fast and Furious investigation and denounced by liberals for not taking a harder line on Wall Street after the 2007-2008 financial meltdown.
He also became a lightning rod for what critics condemned as the administration’s heavy-handed response to national security leaks, targeting reporters with extensive surveillance and even prosecution for refusing to reveal their sources.
Holder: Longer prison sentences for ‘Hispanics and … Play video
Holder: Longer prison sentences for ‘Hispanics and …
Holder’s longevity in the face of such criticisms surprised many in Washington. He stands to have the third-longest tenure in the position if he remains in office into December, a Justice Department official noted.
President Obama’s attorney general says he will step down as soon as a replacement can be confirmed
A White House official highlighted Holder’s achievements since winning Senate confirmation in February 2009 by a 75-21 vote.
“Holder’s accomplishments have established a historic legacy of civil rights enforcement and restoring fairness to the criminal justice system. Holder revitalized the department’s praised Civil Rights Division, protected the rights of the LGBT community, successfully prosecuted terrorists, and fought tirelessly for voting rights, to name a few,” the official said.
Holder finalized his plans to leave the post in an hourlong conversation with Obama in the residence section of the White House over the Labor Day weekend, two officials said.
His plans after stepping down were unclear, though he could be expected to return to the powerful Covington and Burling law firm, where he worked in the years immediately prior to becoming attorney general.
Two Justice Department officials said Holder hoped to stay involved in issues raised by the shooting of an unarmed black teenager in Ferguson, Missouri.
“He has spoken with friends and associates about his wish to find a way, even after rejoining private life, to continue helping to restore trust between law enforcement and minority communities,” one official said
