Interior Department Lawyer Quits, Warning of Rule of Law Assault 2026

In a striking rebuke of the Trump administration, a veteran conservative lawyer has resigned from the US Department of the Interior, warning of a "deeply troubling assault on the rule of law" within the agency. John Murdock, an 18-year veteran attorney and self-described conservative Christian, stepped down on September 30, citing "glaring legal flaws" and concerns over offshore oil and gas drilling, the aggressive push to expand fossil fuels, and the flouting of environmental regulations.

Who Is John Murdock and Why Did He Resign?

Murdock began working for the Interior Department's legal office in 2002, serving under multiple administrations. In his resignation letter, first sent to his supervisor earlier this year and obtained by the Guardian and Public Domain, he wrote, "We are headed in the wrong direction." His decision to speak out publicly comes amid a broader exodus of longtime government workers and scientists from federal agencies, including the Interior Department, which has lost thousands of employees since Elon Musk's so-called "department of government efficiency" (Doge) began slashing government employment last year.

The Assault on the Rule of Law: What Murdock Witnessed

Murdock's letter details specific instances where he believes the administration prioritized political goals over legal integrity. He points to offshore oil and gas drilling approvals that bypassed environmental reviews, rollbacks of regulations protecting public lands, and an overall disregard for established legal processes. "Sadly, I am but one of many civil servants who have departed the government under less than ideal circumstances in recent years," he wrote. "If my story helps others or in some small way assists in preserving the rule of law, then it will have been worth it."

Key Takeaways from Murdock's Resignation

• Rule of law under threat: Murdock cites "glaring legal flaws" and an "assault on the rule of law" within the Interior Department.
• Environmental concerns: He highlights offshore drilling, fossil fuel expansion, and ignored environmental regulations.
• Conservative credentials: As a self-described conservative Christian, his criticism challenges partisan assumptions.
• Government exodus: His resignation is part of a larger trend of career officials leaving federal agencies.

Impact on Environmental Policy and Federal Agencies

The Interior Department oversees millions of acres of public lands and waters, making its policies critical for environmental protection and energy development. Under the Trump administration, the agency has accelerated oil and gas leasing, weakened endangered species protections, and reduced public input in decision-making. Murdock's resignation underscores internal dissent and raises questions about the long-term consequences for environmental governance.

Broader Implications for the Rule of Law

Murdock's resignation is not an isolated incident. Across the federal government, career civil servants have voiced alarm over political interference in scientific and legal processes. The Interior Department alone has seen thousands of departures, many attributed to the controversial efforts of Doge. This exodus threatens institutional knowledge and could weaken the government's ability to enforce laws fairly. As Murdock wrote, "We are headed in the wrong direction." His warning serves as a call to action for those who value the rule of law and environmental stewardship.

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