Trump tries to oust acting AG Rosen and install Clark to weaponize DOJ for election reversal

On January 3, 2021, Trump told acting AG Rosen at a White House meeting that he was considering replacing him with Jeffrey Clark, who had agreed to send state legislatures letters urging alternate electors. Multiple DOJ and White House officials threatened mass resignations if Clark were appointed. Steven Engel and acting DAG Donoghue warned Trump that appointing Clark would cause catastrophic institutional breakdown. Trump ultimately retained Rosen after the meeting, abandoning the Clark installation plan.