Jason Reding Quiñones, a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force Reserve, has become a go-to prosecutor for the Trump administration, leading a high-profile investigation into Obama-era officials and former Trump foes. The probe focuses on a 2017 intelligence assessment that found Russia interfered with the 2016 presidential election.
Quiñones was appointed as the top prosecutor in South Florida in 2024, despite failing his performance evaluations as a federal prosecutor in 2018. His appointment has led to an exodus of experienced staff and a drop in morale among those who remain. The investigation has raised concerns about the Trump administration’s handling of U.S. attorney’s offices across the country.
Critics have accused Reding Quiñones of being overly aggressive, with some former prosecutors alleging that he is pushing out whistleblowers and dissidents. Others have questioned his qualifications for leading the investigation, citing his limited experience as a federal prosecutor.
The investigation has sparked controversy, with critics accusing it of being driven by partisan politics rather than a pursuit of justice. The Trump administration’s efforts to recruit outside prosecutors willing to work on the case have also raised eyebrows among experts and former officials.
As the investigation continues, concerns about the Trump administration’s tactics and priorities remain. Critics argue that Reding Quiñones’ appointment is part of a larger pattern of appointing Trump loyalists with little experience in law enforcement positions, which has led to an erosion of trust in the Justice Department.
The investigation has also sparked questions about the role of special counsel Jack Smith, who has been probing Trump’s handling of classified documents and other issues. Reding Quiñones’ appointment has added fuel to the controversy surrounding the special counsel’s investigations.
Despite the concerns, the Justice Department has defended Reding Quiñones and his colleagues, stating that they are committed to upholding the law and prosecuting crime. However, critics argue that the administration’s tactics and priorities have compromised the integrity of the investigation.
Overall, Jason Reding Quiñones’ appointment as top prosecutor in South Florida raises questions about the Trump administration’s handling of U.S. attorney’s offices and its commitment to justice.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/11/17/trump-obama-jason-quiones-miami-prosecutor