Profiles in Courage is a series honoring the extraordinary women and men who have transformed American institutions through principled public service. At a time when trust in government is fragile, these stories offer a powerful reminder of what ethical leadership looks like—from those who litigate for civil rights and resign on principle, to those who break military barriers and defend democracy on the front lines.
This month, we spotlight women in the Department of Justice, federal agencies and the military whose careers have been defined by integrity, resilience and reform. Their quiet heroism—often at personal cost—reaffirms the enduring role of public servants who choose justice over self-interest. Through their stories, Ms. pays tribute to a tradition of service that safeguards democracy and inspires the next generation to lead with courage.
In an era when the justice system’s integrity faced unprecedented challenges, Denise Cheung stood firm as a defender of the rule of law. As the head of the Criminal Division at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Washington, D.C., Cheung wielded unparalleled oversight over national security cases, violent crime prosecutions, and some of the most consequential investigations in recent history—including many of the prosecutions stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Throughout her distinguished career, Cheung exemplified an unwavering commitment to justice, faithfully serving through multiple administrations with a steadfast dedication to upholding the Constitution.
However, in February, faced with a Justice Department under increasing political pressure, she made a principled decision: to resign rather than compromise the integrity of her office.
Cheung informed her colleagues of her departure, writing in her resignation email:
“I have been proud to serve at the U.S. Department of Justice and this office for over 24 years. … This office is a special place. I took an oath of office to support and defend the Constitution, and I have executed this duty faithfully.”
Her resignation was not an isolated act, but part of a larger exodus of prosecutors and DOJ officials who stepped down in protest of a directive from the acting deputy attorney general to drop the corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams. Like others who refused to bow to political interference, Cheung’s decision underscored her deep respect for the independence of the judiciary and the necessity of prosecutorial discretion free from external influence.
As the leader of one of the nation’s most potent prosecutorial divisions, Cheung’s contributions extended far beyond her title. Under her leadership, the Criminal Division took on some of the most complex and high-profile federal cases, reinforcing the integrity of the U.S. legal system at a time when it was under attack.
Though a loss to the department, her resignation stands as a testament to her principles, courage and unwavering commitment to justice. Denise Cheung’s legacy is not merely in the cases she led, but in the values she upheld—integrity, accountability and an unbreakable dedication to the rule of law.
Her departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter in public service, but her impact will be felt for generations to come.
