I did not have prepared remarks for the event, and I certainly should have. Instead, I overreacted to the criticisms—which I strongly believe were not an accurate reflection of the Department’s work—by defending the Department in a way that inappropriately suggested that the care taken by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and others in making prosecutorial decisions was less than that taken by attorneys in the Criminal Division. And by making unscripted references to isolated issues in my recent experience, I realize that, rather than defending the reputation of the entire Department, I appeared to be criticizing U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Assistant U.S. Attorneys and other components. I deeply regret my remarks and the genuine hurt that they have caused. As a federal prosecutor for 19 years, including 16 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in two different districts, I know better.
Caldwell concluded the letter by noting that, in separate remarks to new Justice Department attorneys last week, she gave career advice that she was now going to use herself: “Admit your mistakes, deal with the consequences, and learn.”
“I love the Department of Justice and deeply respect our values, the work we do, and the way we do it, both in the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and at Main Justice,” Caldwell wrote. “That by my own remarks I suggested otherwise pains me deeply. I made a mistake, and I am sorry.”
The Federalist Society posted video of the event on the group’s YouTube page. Caldwell’s letter is posted in full below.
