Justice Department Paralegal Elizabeth Baxter Dismissed for Gesturing at National Guard

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2025 - Attorney General Pam Bondi terminated Environmental Defense Section paralegal Elizabeth Baxter on Friday after Baxter was observed making obscene gestures and using profane language toward National Guard members deployed in Washington, D.C.

Baxter, 34, allegedly raised her middle finger and shouted “F— the National Guard” at service members stationed near the Metro Center stop on Aug. 18. Surveillance footage obtained by the New York Post and confirmed by DOJ officials shows Baxter demonstrating the gesture again later that day outside the DOJ’s “4CON” building in the NoMa district. According to the termination memo, Baxter repeated the conduct to an on-site security guard on Aug. 25, stating she “hates the National Guard” and then making the obscene gesture.

In her termination letter, Bondi wrote, “Pursuant to Article II of the United States Constitution and the laws of the United States and based on your inappropriate conduct towards National Guard service members, your employment with the Department of Justice is hereby terminated, and you are removed from federal service effective immediately”. A DOJ spokesperson reiterated that employees who disrespect law enforcement would “no longer work at DOJ” under Bondi’s leadership.

The deployment of hundreds of National Guard troops to Washington was ordered by President Trump this month amid a declared “crime emergency” in the capital. While supporters credit the presence of additional federal personnel with a drop in certain crime rates, critics contend the operation is heavy-handed and politically motivated.

Baxter’s dismissal marks the second high-profile DOJ firing in August. Earlier this month, paralegal Sean Charles Dunn was dismissed after allegedly hurling a sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection officer outside a D.C. nightclub.

• Reuters contributed to this report.