The following day he was among those fired.

Many were shocked at the brutal nature of the turnover. They were given no warning, with Mr Sessions signing off on a phone call with them all on Thursday with the words: “Happy hunting!”

On Friday afternoon they were informed that they must step aside, and told to clear their desks by midnight.

It is not known why Mr Trump wanted to speak to Mr Bharara on Thursday – whether it was to inform him of the impending cull, and that he had changed his mind about allowing him to stay, or for another reason.