U.S. Attorney for Oregon Natalie Wight fired by Trump
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Natalie K. Wight, the US Attorney for the District of Oregon, was fired Tuesday by President Donald Trump, slightly more than two years after she took over the office.
"Ms. Wight was informed of her termination in a communication from the White House," a press release sent late Tuesday afternoon stated. "As a Presidential appointee, Ms. Wight is subject to removal from office at the discretion of the sitting President."
Reuters reports on Tuesday Trump said he instructed the Justice Department to terminate all remaining Biden-era U.S. attorneys, asserting that the department had been "politicized like never before. ... We must 'clean house' IMMEDIATELY, and restore confidence. America’s Golden Age must have a fair Justice System - THAT BEGINS TODAY," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
Wight, a 20-year veteran with the Department of Justice, was appointed by President Joe Biden to replace Scott Erik Asphaug, who moved on to another role in the Justice Department. She was confirmed by the Senate in September 2022.
The release noted she focused on school outreach, the dangers of fentanyl and online exploitation during her tenure.
"I am proud of the Office's dedication to protecting Oregon's youth, supporting law enforcement, and maintaining strong agency partnerships," Wight said in the statement. "I want to thank our Oregon communities and our exceptional public servants for helping to keep Oregon a safe and beautiful place to live."
As of 5:20 p.m. Tuesday, Wight's name and profile remained on the US Attorney for Oregon website.
A permanent replacement has not yet been nominated. In the order of succession, First Assistant U.S. Attorney William Narus is now the Acting U.S. Attorney.