Brett A. Shumate is an American lawyer who leads the Justice Department's Civil Division as assistant attorney general. He previously served as a deputy assistant attorney general for the Federal Programs Branch and as a partner at Jones Day.
Case
DOJ has expanded its pursuit of citizenship revocation. Officials defend the campaign as correcting unlawful naturalization, while congressional critics question its broad discretion and the safeguards against political targeting.
Role at the time: Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division
Statement summary
Shumate defended the expanded campaign as a way to restore trust in citizenship. He said the 40 defendants announced by DOJ had lied during naturalization.
“restore trust and integrity in U.S. citizenship”
The reference point is DOJ's expanded denaturalization campaign. Shumate endorses its scale and stated purpose.
Statement dates: October 5, 2026
Statement dates: October 5, 2026
