PROVIDENCE — Zachary Cunha has resigned as US attorney for Rhode Island at direction of the White House, his office announced Monday.

In a Feb. 17 press release, Zachary Cunha ’98, the United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island, wrote that he had submitted a letter of resignation to the Justice Department and White House earlier this month.

Zachary A. Cunha, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island since 2021, announced on Monday that he has concluded his service at the direction of President Donald Trump.

Rhode Island’s top federal prosecutor is no longer on the job after being ousted by the Trump administration. U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha announced his immediate departure Monday night.

During his tenure, Cunha took on civil rights cases involving children with disabilities, including challenging the state Department of Children, Youth and Families' long-term hospitalization of children at Bradley Hospital.

GoLocal has learned that Cunha had submitted a letter of resignation on February 7, 2025. That letter was sent both to President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pamela Bondi. The White House notified Cunha on Monday of its acceptance. His departure is effective immediately.

Zachary A. Cunha has stepped down as United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island, effective immediately, following a directive

Zachary A. Cunha resigned his position as U.S. attorney for Rhode Island on Monday at the direction of the White House, his office said.  Cunha, who assumed his role in December 2021, was nominated by President Joe Biden.