Well, that didn’t take long. With just two weeks to go before President-elect Donald Trump takes the oath of office, U.S. Attorney for Vermont Nikolas Kerest is packing up his desk and heading for the exit. Appointed by President Biden in 2021, Kerest’s resignation is part of the standard turnover that happens when a new administration takes over, but the timing—and the tone of his farewell statement—suggests a man eager to leave before the Trump train pulls back into the station.
Kerest’s resignation comes as no surprise. U.S. attorneys are political appointees, and it’s standard practice for them to step down when a new president—especially one from the opposing party—comes into power. But make no mistake, this isn’t just bureaucratic housekeeping. Kerest’s departure marks the beginning of a broader shift in federal law enforcement priorities under the incoming Trump administration.
In his farewell statement, Kerest struck a polished and diplomatic tone, thanking his staff and highlighting his office’s work on prosecuting violent crime and cracking down on elder financial fraud. To his credit, those are real issues that deserve real attention. Vermont, despite its postcard-perfect image of maple syrup and covered bridges, has faced rising concerns over illegal drug trafficking, violent crime, and financial scams targeting seniors.
But let’s not sugarcoat the reality here. Under Biden-appointed U.S. attorneys like Kerest, federal law enforcement has been hamstrung by progressive policies that prioritize social justice talking points over actual justice. Sanctuary policies, reduced emphasis on prosecuting certain drug offenses, and a general reluctance to enforce immigration laws have left many communities—including ones in states like Vermont—more vulnerable than they should be.
With Trump returning to the White House, expect a sharp pivot. Trump’s first term was defined by an aggressive stance on border security, cracking down on violent crime, and holding criminals accountable without dancing around politically correct narratives. And his incoming team isn’t being shy about their plans for round two.
Michael Drescher, the acting U.S. attorney set to take over when Kerest steps down on January 20th, will likely hold down the fort until Trump’s pick for the role is confirmed by the Senate. And if history is any guide, Trump’s choice will prioritize law and order, border security, and a no-nonsense approach to violent crime and drug trafficking.
But Kerest’s resignation also highlights something else: the nervous energy rippling through the ranks of Biden-era federal appointees. They know what’s coming. Trump’s incoming administration isn’t going to spend time pretending everything is fine while violent crime spikes and the border remains porous. There’s a new sheriff coming to town, and the usual suspects are already heading for the hills.
It’s not just Vermont. Across the country, expect a wave of resignations and quiet exits as Biden’s appointees see the writing on the wall. Federal prosecutors who spent their time prioritizing diversity initiatives over convictions are about to find themselves replaced by people who believe their primary job is—get this—enforcing the law.
For Vermont, this change might actually bring some much-needed clarity. Despite its reputation as a sleepy, idyllic state, Vermont isn’t immune to the problems plaguing the rest of the country. Drug trafficking has taken root, elder fraud scams are draining bank accounts, and rising crime rates are leaving residents uneasy.
The Trump administration will likely put renewed focus on these issues, unencumbered by the progressive hesitancy that defined the Biden years. And with a Republican-controlled Congress backing him, Trump has the mandate—and the means—to ensure that federal prosecutors across the nation are focused on results, not narratives.
