DoJ Shifts into Trump's 'Political Wing' as Criminal Probes Intensify
Donald Trump's Department of Justice has increasingly become his administration's "political wing," according to former prosecutors, with criminal investigations targeting economic and political opponents and an FBI raid on a Georgia election office. This move aims to support Trump's debunked claims of a rigged 2020 election loss.
Politicization Under Attorney General Pam Bondi
The transformation at the DoJ has accelerated since early 2026, under the leadership of Trump loyalist Attorney General Pam Bondi. A symbolic moment occurred on 19 February when a large banner featuring Trump's picture was unfurled over the entrance of DoJ headquarters in Washington DC. Donald Ayer, a former deputy attorney general, described this as a constant reminder of efforts to dismantle the department's role as a guardian of fair justice.
Targeted Investigations and FBI Raids
Recent DoJ actions include investigations into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and Minnesota's Democratic Governor Tim Walz, both publicly criticized by Trump. Ex-prosecutors label these as "unrelenting" attacks on the rule of law. In January, the FBI raided a Fulton County election office in Georgia, seizing 2020 election records to bolster Trump's fraud allegations, despite multiple reviews finding no evidence.
Randall Eliason, a former federal prosecutor, stated, "Trump has succeeded in completely politicizing the justice department, turning it into a political wing to punish enemies and reward friends with little regard for the law."
Setbacks and Continued Weaponization
Despite setbacks, such as failed cases against former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James in 2025, the weaponization agenda persists. A grand jury recently declined to indict Democratic Senator Mark Kelly and others for a video statement, even as Trump labeled it "seditious behavior punishable by death."
Barbara McQuade, a former US attorney, criticized the DoJ for conducting "fishing expeditions" to smear political rivals without factual basis. The FBI's Fulton County raid originated from a referral by Kurt Olsen, a far-right lawyer installed by Trump as director of election security.
Legal Challenges and Court Rulings
Bondi has sued 30 states for voter registration lists, overlapping with Trump's false fraud accusations. However, judges in Michigan and other states have ruled against compliance, citing lack of legal authority. Michael Bromwich, former DoJ inspector general, noted that judges from both parties are condemning the department's lawless positions.
Trump has pressured Bondi via his Truth Social platform, leading to charges against Comey and James by neophyte US attorney Lindsey Halligan, though these were dismissed due to improper appointment. The DoJ is appealing to revive the cases.
Election Integrity Concerns
Experts warn that the DoJ's actions could impact upcoming elections. Larry Noble, former general counsel at the Federal Election Commission, suggested Trump is using claims of voter fraud to challenge unfavorable results. David Becker of the Center for Election Innovation and Research emphasized that efforts to nationalize elections would be unconstitutional and likely restrained by courts.
Eliason highlighted that the DoJ's refusal to investigate certain cases, like the Minnesota shootings involving federal immigration agencies, shows another aspect of its politicization. The FBI has faced criticism for withholding evidence related to these killings.
Workforce Decline and Prosecutor Resignations
The DoJ's workforce dropped by 8% from November 2024 to November 2025, with many experienced prosecutors resigning in protest. Bromwich described this as heartbreaking yet encouraging, as departures weaken the department's credibility. Dissent has spread in offices from Virginia to Minnesota, reflecting widespread disapproval of the politicized environment.
Overall, the DoJ's transformation under Trump represents a significant subversion of the justice system, with ongoing legal battles and internal strife highlighting the depth of its politicization.
