DOJ Weaponization and Political Retribution Campaign

Trump enlisted the Department of Justice to investigate the Biden administration as part of two politically charged reviews into his personal grievances. The attorney general has thrown the weight of the justice department behind these inquiries.

Trump administration fired Justice Department officials who had worked for prosecutor Jack Smith, with the acting attorney general stating that career officials could not be trusted to 'faithfully implement the president's agenda.'

The Justice Department moved to dismiss charges against two men indicted in connection with classified documents at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence. The move suggests a potential resolution of the legal case against Trump's co-defendants.

The Pentagon stripped retired General Mark Milley of his security clearance and security detail as part of Trump's effort against his critics. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also seeks to review Milley's retired general rank.

FBI nominee Kash Patel refused to answer questions during his confirmation hearing about whether he would target Trump's political opponents, claiming previous statements were 'mischaracterizations.' Patel has been identified as having received significant income from Trump-related business ventures over several years.

Top FBI officials in five cities have been notified of demotions or transfers, and dozens of agents who worked on Trump investigations face potential termination. Trump officials have also fired January 6 prosecutors and plan a broader FBI purge as part of efforts to remove perceived political enemies from federal law enforcement.

A Trump appointee fired approximately two dozen Justice Department employees involved in January 6 Capitol riot cases and issued demands for a list of FBI officers who worked on Trump-related cases. Legal experts have warned that Trump's executive actions, including the federal funding freeze and birthright citizenship order, represent a constitutional violation.

Trump personally ordered the firing of special counsel prosecutors who worked for Jack Smith, according to multiple sources, representing a significant assertion of presidential power over the Justice Department.

President Trump announced the revocation of former President Biden's security clearance and said he is cutting off Biden's access to intelligence materials. Trump stated the action was in retaliation for Biden's earlier revocation of Trump's clearance following the January 6 Capitol riot.

Trump announced plans to revoke security clearances for several individuals including former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Trump revoked the security clearance of former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, calling him a 'bad guy,' and announced plans to remove clearances for New York officials Letitia James and Alvin Bragg, who had prosecuted him.

Four deputy mayors in New York City resigned following the Trump administration's decision to drop corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams, widely seen as a reward for Adams' cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Trump Justice Department moves to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, causing alarm among legal experts over potential threats to the rule of law.

Top US prosecutor Denise Cheung resigns after Trump appointees pressure her to open a grand jury investigation into EPA grants for Biden-era climate spending.

Trump ordered the Justice Department to fire all U.S. attorneys appointed by President Biden, continuing efforts to reshape federal law enforcement. Emil Bove, Trump's acting deputy attorney general, appeared at a hearing regarding the dismissal of charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams.

Washington D.C. U.S. Attorney Ed Martin faced outcry after posting on X that he and his colleagues are 'President Trump's lawyers,' a statement that directly contradicts the federal oath to support the Constitution.

The FBI has returned classified documents and other materials that were seized from Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in 2022, which had been central evidence in a criminal case against the president.

Trump appointed Walt Nauta, a classified documents co-defendant from his earlier federal prosecution, to the Naval Academy Board. Nauta was facing legal challenges related to the classified documents case.

Former President Biden's intelligence access to the Presidential Daily Brief was revoked by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, a decision that marks a significant change in post-presidency protocols.

Trump delivered an hour-long speech at the Department of Justice where he vented anger about his criminal cases, railing against Biden officials and characterizing their prosecution efforts as 'bullshit' while praising his legal team.

Trump delivered a combative speech at the Justice Department criticizing past prosecutions and calling critics "scum" and the media "corrupt." The remarks reflected his focus on reversing legal actions taken against him during his first term.

Trump revoked security clearances for multiple former officials including Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton, Antony Blinken, Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, and Letitia James in a Friday memo, characterizing them as political opponents.

Trump appointed his former personal attorney Alina Habba as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey. Habba, who has represented Trump in various legal matters, takes on a significant prosecutorial role in the Justice Department.

The US Justice Department dropped its corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams, with a judge noting that Trump officials' push to drop the charges 'smacks of a bargain' over immigration enforcement. The dismissal raised concerns about potential quid pro quo arrangements.

Trump ordered the Department of Justice to investigate former officials Miles Taylor and Chris Krebs, both of whom served under Trump and publicly criticized his actions. The move is part of what observers describe as an intensified campaign against critics.

President Trump directed the Department of Justice to investigate two former officials from his first administration who became public critics. This move is part of an escalating pattern of using official power to scrutinize perceived political opponents.

An FBI analyst named Brian Auten, who was targeted in a book by Kash Patel, was placed on leave. The decision relates to Patel's criticism of the analyst's work during past investigations.

Law firms, universities, and civil society groups are reportedly in Trump's sights for potential punitive action by the administration.

Prominent Republicans, including former Trump administration officials, issued an open letter criticizing President Trump for using his power to punish two former officials who had publicly criticized him. Critics compared his actions to those of a 'royal despot.'

Trump directed the Justice Department to investigate ActBlue, the main Democratic fundraising platform, citing unsubstantiated claims of foreign contributions. The order represents the latest use of federal government resources to target political opponents.

Trump pardoned Paul Walczak, an executive whose family sought to publicize Ashley Biden's diary, and also pardoned former Las Vegas Republican lawmaker Michele Fiore. The Las Vegas Review-Journal, owned by Trump mega-donor Miriam Adelson, condemned the Fiore pardon.

Trump's Justice Department appointees removed the leadership of the voting rights unit responsible for enforcing laws against voter discrimination, raising concerns about voting rights enforcement. Separately, hundreds of lawyers and staff are departing the Civil Rights Office as appointees reshape it to align with the administration's agenda.

Trump fired Doug Emhoff, husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, and others from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, with Emhoff characterizing the move as political retaliation.

The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division has lost 70% of its lawyers since January, with more than 250 attorneys leaving or being reassigned. The administration is using the 1964 Civil Rights Act to launch investigations into universities' diversity initiatives.

Federal prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James, with a federal grand jury impaneled in Virginia following a referral from a Trump administration official. The investigation details have not been fully disclosed.

A Republican tax bill proposed labeling non-profits opposed to Trump's policies as 'terrorism' organizations, raising concerns that the Trump administration could wield the law against groups that file lawsuits or organize voters against his policies.

The special prosecutor in the Mar-a-Lago case, Jay Bratt, asserted his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent before a House committee that is investigating people involved in prosecutions of Trump, which the committee characterized as 'weaponized.'

Attorney General Pam Bondi sold at least $1 million in Trump Media shares on May 14, according to documents reviewed by CBS News. The sales occurred on what Trump supporters call "Liberation Day," raising questions about the timing and potential conflicts of interest.

Former FBI Director James Comey deleted an Instagram post featuring seashells arranged in '8647' formation after Republicans claimed the arrangement was code for assassination and sparked an investigation.

Trump accused former FBI Director James Comey of calling for his killing through a coded picture showing shells arranged to spell '8647,' a slang term for ejecting a customer from a bar. Comey's post sparked the accusation.

The Justice Department opened an inquiry into former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's handling of nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Cuomo currently a candidate for New York City mayor.

Justice Department officials stated they will seek to 'shame' Trump's political opponents through investigations if they cannot prosecute them for crimes, marking a departure from traditional prosecutorial practices focused on investigating crimes rather than targeting political adversaries.

A DOJ inquiry into Andrew Cuomo has stirred debate about potential bias and the administration's use of law enforcement. The investigation has raised questions about selective prosecution.

Trump reposted a conspiracy theory on social media claiming that former President Joe Biden was a "robotic clone" who had been "executed" in 2020 and replaced.

Trump ordered an inquiry into former President Biden's actions while in office, specifically focusing on reports of cognitive decline. Biden dismissed the investigation as a 'distraction' designed to shift focus from 'disastrous legislation.'

Governor Newsom was warned by Trump allies of potential "criminal tax evasion" charges if he withholds federal taxes, as reports indicated Trump is considering major federal funding cuts targeting California.

The EPA dropped a case against the Geo Group, a prison company that has donated heavily to Trump, which faced up to $4 million in fines for violations involving use of a toxic disinfectant at an immigration facility.

Federal agents arrested New York mayoral candidate Brad Lander and other Democratic elected officials, with images of handcuffed Democrats accumulating in what has become a pattern during Trump's second term. Conservatives accused the Democrats of publicity stunts while liberal critics expressed outrage at the escalating arrests.

The Trump administration raised the possibility of stripping Zohran Mamdani, a New York City mayoral candidate and naturalized U.S. citizen, of his citizenship, and Trump claimed he was "here illegally" as part of attacks on the political opponent.

Paramount Global agreed to pay Trump $16 million to settle his lawsuit over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris, though the payment will go to Trump's future library or charitable cause rather than directly to him, and Paramount made no apology.

The Trump administration continues firing Department of Justice employees who worked for Special Counsel Jack Smith, expanding beyond prosecutors to include support staff members.

Attorney General Pam Bondi fired the US Justice Department's top ethics adviser, marking the latest in a series of dismissals as Trump and his allies seek to pursue retribution against civil servants in the department.

Maurene Comey, a federal prosecutor in the Jeffrey Epstein case at the U.S. attorney's office in the southern district of New York, was abruptly fired by the Department of Justice. No specific reason was given for her termination, with the DoJ citing Trump's constitutional powers.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio moved to strip U.S. visas from eight Brazilian judges as part of efforts to help former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro avoid justice over alleged coup charges. The move is the latest attempt by the Trump administration to support Bolsonaro's legal troubles.

Trump shared what appeared to be an AI-generated video on social media depicting former President Barack Obama being arrested in the Oval Office.

Trump accused former President Obama of 'treason' in the Oval Office, a charge Obama's office called 'ridiculous' and 'weak.' Obama's team also characterized the accusation as an 'attempt at distraction' amid other controversies.

Former President Obama publicly rebuked Trump's claims that the Obama administration committed treason related to the 2016 election, characterizing the allegations as an 'attempt at distraction' and calling them 'outrageous.'

Trump accused former President Obama of committing treason without presenting evidence, drawing criticism for inverting established principles of American justice by sentencing before verdict.

Trump reportedly weaponized tariffs against Brazil with a 50% levy, apparently in retaliation for Brazil's coup trial against his ally Jair Bolsonaro, drawing accusations of attacking Brazilian democracy.

The Office of Special Counsel launched an investigation into former special counsel Jack Smith for alleged violations of the Hatch Act, which restricts partisan activities by federal employees. The inquiry was initiated after a GOP senator requested an investigation over Smith's prosecution of Donald Trump.

Declassified documents from the Durham investigation concluded that Russian spies were behind key 2016 emails, undermining claims by Trump's Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard about a plot against Trump during that election cycle.

The Senate confirmed Jeanine Pirro, a former Fox News host, as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. Pirro has promoted claims that Trump lost the 2020 election due to electoral fraud.

The Office of Special Counsel has launched an investigation into ex-Trump prosecutor Jack Smith for possible violations of the Hatch Act. Smith previously led the special counsel investigation into Trump.

Critics and legal experts warn that Trump has been politicizing the Justice Department and contorting it into his 'personal weapon,' with the main job requirement for DOJ officials becoming 'loyalty to Donald Trump' rather than adherence to the rule of law.

Attorney General Pam Bondi ordered a grand jury probe into the Obama administration's review of the 2016 election and origins of the Trump-Russia investigation. The investigation would examine potential misconduct by federal officials in how they handled the inquiry into Russian interference.

The Justice Department launched a grand jury probe of New York Attorney General Letitia James, issuing two subpoenas related to the civil fraud case against Trump and an investigation into the NRA. This move comes as Trump's administration has faced criticism for allegedly weaponizing law enforcement.

Trump revoked security clearances of 37 former and current officials. The move was characterized as the latest effort by the Trump administration to shift public attention to the 2016 election.

The Trump administration revoked security clearances for 37 intelligence officials, according to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. The move targets officials accused of politicizing intelligence, including those who worked on assessments regarding Russian interference in the 2016 election.

The FBI raided the home and office of former Trump national security adviser John Bolton as part of an investigation into whether he illegally possessed or shared classified information. FBI Director emphasized that 'no one is above the law,' and the search is reportedly part of a broader investigation into classified documents.

The Wall Street Journal criticized the FBI raid on former National Security Advisor John Bolton's home as part of a political vendetta. Trump denied being briefed about the raid, while Vice President JD Vance denied the investigation was politically motivated.

The Trump administration has fired or demoted more than two dozen prosecutors who worked on January 6 Capitol riot cases, even as those convicted for their role in the riot have been pardoned and released. Critics view this as a 'purge' targeting those who prosecuted the riot.

Trump has targeted political opponents with mortgage fraud claims and threats, including threats to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. Critics characterize this pattern as 'lawfare' similar to cases against Letitia James and Adam Schiff.

Trump threatened to investigate former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie over the 'Bridgegate' scandal, after Christie criticized the president's use of the Justice Department.

Critics attacked the Trump administration's removal of Vice President Kamala Harris's security detail as an 'act of revenge,' citing the Guardian's reporting on the move as the 'biggest blow yet' to various administration policies.

Trump plans to appeal to the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the $5 million verdict in the E. Jean Carroll defamation case. The former president aims to have the civil judgment vacated.

New York's attorney general filed an appeal to reinstate a $355 million civil fraud penalty against Trump that had been erased by a lower court in his civil case.

Grand juries in Washington D.C. rejected a wave of charges brought under Trump's crackdown, with prosecutors suggesting jurors may be fatigued by harsh charges in a politicized environment. The rejections indicate potential resistance to the administration's legal enforcement priorities.

Former FBI officials sued Kash Patel, the FBI director, claiming he was instructed by the White House to fire agents who had worked on investigations of Trump. The lawsuit alleges improper political retaliation.

President Trump blamed the "radical left" for Charlie Kirk's death during an Oval Office address, though the shooter's identity and motive remained unknown. Trump did not mention recent attacks on Democrats such as the killing of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman or the attack on Paul Pelosi.

Following the killing of Charlie Kirk, Trump called for the death penalty in the case and used the incident to criticize political opponents on the left, while Kirk's widow released a statement vowing her family would not surrender.

A prosecutor in the Epstein case, Maurene Comey, sued the Trump Justice Department over her abrupt firing, alleging it was retaliation against her father, former FBI Director James Comey.

Vice President JD Vance threatened a crackdown on 'far-left' groups in response to the shooting attack on conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, saying the White House would pursue those who praise the attack and groups that 'promote terrorism.'

The Georgia Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal from Fani Willis challenging her removal from the Trump election interference case, effectively ending her bid to continue prosecuting the case. The decision leaves the criminal case against Trump in limbo.

Federal prosecutor Erik Siebert, who was investigating Trump critics including New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey, resigned after Trump publicly stated 'I want him out.' Siebert's investigation had found insufficient evidence to charge James with a crime.

The Trump Justice Department closed an investigation into Trump's border czar Tom Homan, who was said to have accepted $50,000 in cash from undercover FBI agents before Trump won his second presidency. The investigation was reportedly terminated after Trump took office.

Trump demanded that Attorney General Bondi 'move now' to prosecute his political adversaries, one day after he ousted federal prosecutor Erik Siebert for failing to charge New York AG Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey.

President Trump urged the Department of Justice to prosecute his political opponents. Critics including Chuck Schumer and Chris Murphy warned that Trump's actions risk putting the U.S. on a path to dictatorship, while former Gov. Chris Christie cautioned that such actions threaten the justice system.

Trump appointed Lindsey Halligan, his former lawyer, as U.S. attorney for the eastern district of Virginia, following his demands for investigations of political enemies. This appointment comes as Trump pushes for prosecutions of his perceived opponents.

The Department of Justice ended an investigation into border czar Tom Homan regarding allegations that he accepted $50,000 in an FBI sting operation. Sources indicated the probe was concluded.

Trump appointed Lindsey Halligan as a U.S. Attorney despite her lack of prosecutorial experience. She previously worked as Trump's personal lawyer and led efforts to scrutinize the Smithsonian for ideology, and will oversee cases involving former FBI Director Comey.

Democrats called for an investigation into border czar Tom Homan over allegations that he accepted $50,000 in cash from an undercover FBI agent in exchange for political favors.

A federal grand jury indicted former FBI Director James Comey after President Trump intensified pressure on the Justice Department demanding prosecution. The move follows Trump's public campaign targeting Comey.

Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted on two counts: making false statements and obstruction of a congressional proceeding. The indictment comes after Trump had repeatedly called for Comey's prosecution, with Trump celebrating the charges on social media.

Trump suggested that billionaire Democratic donors George Soros and Reid Hoffman, among others, could face legal scrutiny, indicating potential expansion of his retribution campaign beyond Comey.

President Trump stated he expects charges to be filed against additional adversaries following the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey. Trump claimed "I think there'll be others" while asserting "It's not about revenge," prompting lawmakers to raise alarms about potential abuse of the Justice Department.

The Justice Department sought information on Georgia District Attorney Fani Willis, who previously prosecuted Trump. Federal investigators subpoenaed records related to travel Willis allegedly took around the time of the 2020 election.

Trump urged Microsoft to fire a lawyer who ran an investigation into attempts to overturn the 2020 election, escalating his campaign against individuals involved in probing his legal challenges. The pressure came as Trump's legal actions against former FBI Director James Comey drew criticism.

Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted as part of President Trump's retribution campaign, marking what observers describe as a dramatic escalation in political prosecutions. The indictment has drawn criticism from Democrats, including Senator Chuck Schumer who expressed he has "no faith" in the judicial system, while former Trump lawyer Ty Cobb alleged the president is using the case to conceal being a "criminal."

A national security prosecutor, Michael Ben'Ary, was fired from the Justice Department and warned colleagues in a note on his way out, saying he was terminated based on a social media post by a January 6 conspiracy theorist.

The Trump administration has intensified targeting of liberal mega-donor George Soros through investigations, with critics saying the move sends 'a chilling message to other donors' ahead of midterm elections.

A federal prosecutor resisted pressure from Trump to charge New York Attorney General Letitia James, reportedly concluding there is insufficient probable cause to file charges against her. The incident highlights tensions between the Trump administration and law enforcement officials.

Former FBI Director James Comey's arraignment began, marking a high-stakes legal battle between the Trump administration and the ex-FBI director. The proceeding drew significant media attention as part of the administration's legal actions against perceived political opponents.

Former FBI Director James Comey pleaded not guilty to charges of lying to Congress. The case marks a significant step in Trump administration efforts to pursue political opponents through the justice system.

New York Attorney General Letitia James was indicted following a pressure campaign by Trump, marking a significant intervention in the justice system as the president seeks retribution against political opponents. The charges represent a departure from longstanding democratic norms.

New York Attorney General Letitia James was criminally indicted on mortgage fraud charges. James, who previously led civil fraud cases against Trump, denied the charges and called the indictment 'desperate weaponization of our justice system,' while Democratic leaders including Senate Majority Leader Schumer criticized the prosecution as evidence that the Justice Department had become a 'personal attack dog.'

Former Trump national security adviser John Bolton was indicted on an 18-count indictment for mishandling and transmitting classified information. Bolton appeared in federal court in Maryland and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

A federal prosecutor who rejected Trump administration pressure to charge New York Attorney General Letitia James was fired from the Justice Department, along with his deputy. This was part of fallout from career officials impeding the president's retribution campaign.

Paul Ingrassia, a Trump nominee for special counsel, was reported to have boasted of a 'Nazi streak' in group chats and stated that holidays commemorating Black people should be 'eviscerated.' The revelations raised concerns about his suitability for the position.

Trump's lawyers are in settlement discussions with the Department of Justice regarding compensation for past investigations. Trump is reportedly seeking $230 million from the DOJ, with senior department officials who previously defended Trump and associates now in positions that would need to approve such payments.

Trump's nominee Paul Ingrassia to lead the Office of Special Counsel withdrew from consideration after reports surfaced of racist text messages in which he allegedly described himself as having a 'Nazi streak.' The withdrawal came after he lost Republican support.

Paul Ingrassia, Trump's nominee to lead the Office of Special Counsel (whistleblower office), withdrew from consideration after racist text messages he sent surfaced. The withdrawal followed rare Republican pushback against his nomination.

Trump stated he has final say on paying himself $230 million from the federal government for past investigations during and after his first term, claiming the government owes him 'a lot of money.'

Top House Democrats accused Trump of an illegal scheme to use his presidential power to order payment from the Justice Department for investigations into Trump as a defendant, potentially totaling $230 million in taxpayer money.

New York Attorney General Letitia James pleaded not guilty in a mortgage fraud case brought in Virginia. James' defense has been supported by state lawmakers, with some attributing the case to Trump's calls for her prosecution.

A Trump ally reported that a grand jury has been empaneled in Florida to investigate what is described as a sweeping conspiracy against Trump.

A Trump ally claimed that a grand jury was empaneled in Florida to investigate an alleged sweeping conspiracy against Trump, though details remain limited.

A new book revealed that Trump ally Stephen Miller urged the firing of FBI agents who had investigated the president, reflecting Trump's desire for revenge. Miller has been at the center of an FBI agent purge.

The FBI has fired a top official amid Kash Patel's reported outrage over revelations that he used an agency jet to visit his girlfriend, prompting Patel to demand accountability over fleet management.

Trump's retribution campaign against political opponents has left the U.S. attorney's office in Washington, D.C. in crisis, with the office deeply affected as it has previously filed criminal cases against the president.

Trump administration officials are being investigated by the Justice Department in what appears to be an expanding inquiry, with the probe being moved to South Florida and beginning to recruit line prosecutors. The inquiry initially appeared focused on former CIA Director John O. Brennan.

Former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James have challenged the validity of their prosecutions by arguing that the prosecutor in their cases was unlawfully appointed. A judge promised to rule within two weeks on their challenge.

Democrat Eric Swalwell is facing a federal criminal inquiry for alleged mortgage fraud, becoming the latest target of what he describes as Trump's 'retribution campaign.' Swalwell stated he was 'only surprised that it took him this long.'

Trump called for a Department of Justice investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's alleged ties to Democrats, including former President Clinton and financial institutions. The move came amid scrutiny of Trump's own connections to Epstein.

Pete Skandalakis, a veteran Georgia prosecutor, appointed himself to oversee Trump's remaining election interference case after district attorney Fani Willis was removed. This is the last criminal case against Trump.

Trump withdrew support for Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, calling her 'Wacky Marjorie,' after she criticized his efforts to block the release of Jeffrey Epstein documents. Greene subsequently reported receiving safety warnings.

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced an investigation into Trump's political adversaries' ties to Jeffrey Epstein, with Jay Clayton named as lead investigator following direction from the President.

A federal judge found evidence of 'government misconduct' in the Justice Department's case against former FBI Director James Comey, ruling the department engaged in 'profound investigative missteps' in its decision to indict him.

Federal prosecutors admitted in court that the full grand jury did not see the final indictment against former FBI Director James Comey, potentially undermining the prosecution's case. Only the grand jury foreperson formally approved the second charging document.

The Justice Department launched an investigation into whether two Trump allies influenced the handling of former congressman Adam Schiff's mortgage fraud case as prosecutors struggled to build their case.

Trump's Justice Department is investigating unfounded claims that Venezuela helped steal the 2020 election, according to an exclusive report. The discredited conspiracy theory could potentially strengthen arguments for military action against the Maduro regime.

A federal judge dismissed criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling that the Trump-appointed interim U.S. attorney had 'no lawful authority' to indict them. The decision is a setback for the president's efforts to use the criminal justice system against perceived political enemies.

A federal judge dismissed criminal cases against former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling that the interim U.S. attorney who brought the indictments had no lawful authority to prosecute them. The judge called the Justice Department's actions 'unlawful exercises of executive power.'

Georgia prosecutor drops charges against Trump and others in the 2020 election interference case. This marks the end of the final criminal case against the president, who has now seen three criminal cases dissolve since his re-election.

The Georgia election interference case against Trump was dropped on November 27, 2025, removing one of the significant legal challenges against the former and current president.

Trump announced plans to pardon Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras, who was convicted in Manhattan in 2024 of accepting millions in bribes to protect cocaine shipments and was sentenced to 45 years in prison.

Former special counsel Jack Smith was subpoenaed by the House Judiciary Committee for closed-door testimony regarding his prosecutions of Trump. Trump quickly called for the testimony to be made public.

President Trump pardoned Tim Leiweke, an entertainment executive who was indicted by his own Justice Department for allegedly orchestrating a conspiracy to rig bidding for an arena at a public university. This summer, Trump administration officials had publicly lauded the indictment as an effort to root out corruption.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has instructed law enforcement agencies to investigate antifa groups for 'tax crimes' as part of Trump's broader crackdown on left-wing organizations, following the administration's designation of antifa as a 'domestic terrorism' group.

A federal judge blocked Trump prosecutors from accessing key evidence in the James Comey case, ruling that the government probably violated the constitutional protections from unreasonable searches of a Comey ally.

Trump criticized Representative Henry Cuellar for lacking loyalty after pardoning him on bribery charges, as Cuellar announced his House re-election bid as a Democrat rather than switching parties.

Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras, publicly thanked Trump for pardoning him on drug-trafficking charges, describing the pardon as having changed his life.

Over 200 former Justice Department civil rights division employees issued a statement criticizing the Trump administration's destruction of the division, stating 'America deserves better.' The criticism focused on alleged purging of civil rights experts.

An NBC News review found that Trump's attacks on political opponents have spurred a surge of threats, highlighting concerns about the rhetoric's impact on public safety.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles acknowledged in interviews with Vanity Fair that score-settling motives underlie some prosecutions, described Trump as having 'an alcoholic's personality,' criticized Vice President JD Vance as a 'conspiracy theorist,' and stated that Attorney General Pam Bondi 'completely whiffed' early handling of the Epstein files.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis defended her prosecution of Trump and called him and his allies "criminals" at a contentious Georgia Senate hearing led by Republicans investigating her conduct. Willis hit back at GOP opponents who had examined her office over her relationship with former special prosecutor Nathan Wade, which had become a point of controversy.

A Trump-aligned U.S. attorney expanded an investigation into intelligence officials who had angered the president, with subpoenas reportedly issued to former CIA Director John Brennan and others. Experts criticized the investigation as a "fishing expedition" by MAGA loyalist Jason Reding Quiñones.

An FBI report revealed that the agency has opened domestic terrorism investigations into anti-ICE activity across 23 regions in the United States, some linked to a Trump administration memo on combating alleged terroristic activities.

Closed-door testimony from former Special Counsel Jack Smith was released by House Republicans after his Judiciary Committee deposition. Smith testified he had 'proof beyond reasonable doubt' in cases against Trump before the prosecutions were aborted.

A federal judge ruled that Trump lawyer Lindsey Halligan's use of the U.S. attorney title is unlawful, but she was ordered to continue defending her use of the position. Halligan was installed by Trump to prosecute New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey.

A federal prosecutor in Virginia was fired after refusing to lead a case against former FBI Director James Comey, marking the latest in a series of dismissals by the Trump administration.

A Michigan senator reported being investigated by federal authorities for a video in which she called on U.S. troops to 'refuse illegal orders,' part of a broader pattern of government scrutiny of administration critics.

The Trump Department of Justice launched investigations into at least three House Democrats who questioned whether military troops must comply with illegal orders. The targeting of lawmakers for speech related to military conduct raised constitutional concerns.

The Trump administration began a criminal inquiry into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey regarding their handling of ICE immigration operations, with the Justice Department subpoenaing them. Walz said the action represents 'weaponizing the justice system' as federal agents intensified immigration enforcement in Minneapolis.

A man accused of aiming a laser at Trump's helicopter was acquitted in 35 minutes, marking another high-profile defeat for Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for DC. The swift acquittal of Jacob Winkler suggests weakness in the prosecution's case.

Trump encouraged Rep. Julia Letlow to challenge Sen. Bill Cassidy in a Republican primary race, marking an effort to remove a senator who voted to convict him in his second impeachment trial. Republican senators including Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski criticized Trump's Greenland ambitions as potentially damaging to the economy and NATO.

Democrat Senator Elissa Slotkin, under investigation over a Pentagon video, accused Trump of using an "authoritarian" and "well-worn playbook" to intimidate critics and silence debate. The attack raises concerns about presidential intimidation of political opponents.

The FBI under Director Kash Patel is systematically reviewing its records to discredit Trump opponents, according to reporting, with Republican lawmakers like Senator Charles Grassley serving as a clearinghouse for leaks and whistleblower information. The practice raises concerns about the politicization of the bureau.

President Trump sued JPMorgan Chase and CEO Jamie Dimon for at least $5 billion, alleging political discrimination after the bank closed his accounts in the wake of the January 6 Capitol attack. Trump claimed the closure was based on his political views rather than legitimate banking concerns.

Democratic lawmakers including Elizabeth Warren called for an inquiry into Trump for allegedly diverting tax evasion resources to an immigration crackdown, accusing him of letting white-collar criminals 'off the hook.'

Trump filed a $5 billion lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase and CEO Jamie Dimon, following escalating tensions between the president and the banking executive. The legal action has put Corporate America on edge regarding Trump's willingness to pursue major corporations.

The Trump administration continues to grant clemency to convicted fraudsters, drawing scrutiny as the president and Republicans appear intent on investigating fraud in Democratic-run states.

The Trump Justice Department moved to dismiss the criminal case against Steve Bannon, the former Trump adviser who was convicted of contempt of Congress for refusing to testify before the House January 6 committee.

The Trump administration abandoned prosecution of Steve Bannon's conviction on contempt of Congress charges related to his refusal to testify to the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, after he served four months in prison.

FBI Director Kash Patel fired FBI officials linked to the Trump documents case investigation at Mar-a-Lago. The dismissals followed revelations that the FBI had subpoenaed records of Patel and Susie Wiles before Trump's return to office.

The Department of Homeland Security awarded a $250,000 contract to a Trump-aligned consulting firm with ties to Corey Lewandowski after demanding partisan loyalty. The selection represented a departure from standard federal procurement guidelines.

A man named Diego Villavicencio was charged with making threatening statements against Trump and Democratic representative Eric Swalwell, as well as violent threats against an unnamed individual believed to be Jerome Powell.

Trump responded to former FBI director Robert Mueller's death by saying 'Good, I'm Glad,' drawing criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. Mueller had led the investigation into Russian involvement in the 2016 presidential election.

The Justice Department reached a $1.25 million financial settlement with former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn for his wrongful prosecution. The settlement represents an extraordinary example of the Trump administration offering legal relief to those aligned with the president.

The Trump administration announced it will pay Michael Flynn a settlement over his earlier prosecution, resolving a longstanding legal dispute with the former National Security Advisor.

Trump's housing chief Bill Pulte requested a new criminal investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James, alleging fraud, as the attorney general's office countered with claims of a 'vendetta.'

The Trump FBI is pushing for release of Eric Swalwell's file from a decade-old inquiry into a suspected Chinese agent, which Democrats characterize as a 'smear.' Swalwell has not been accused of wrongdoing.

Former FBI agents who worked on Trump-related cases filed a class-action lawsuit against the FBI and Justice Department, alleging they were wrongfully terminated for investigating the president.

Trump has discussed firing Attorney General Pam Bondi and has floated the idea of replacing her with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, though no final decision has been made.

President Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi, citing displeasure with her handling of the Epstein files release and her failure to prosecute his political enemies. Todd Blanche, her deputy and Trump's former defense lawyer, was appointed as acting attorney general.

The U.S. Supreme Court issued a brief order vacating a lower court ruling that had upheld a criminal conviction against Steve Bannon, making it likely that the rightwing media host's conviction will be dismissed.

Former Trump lawyer John Eastman was disbarred by the California Supreme Court over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Eastman announced he will appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Maria Medetis Long, the lead prosecutor investigating former CIA director John Brennan, was removed from the case after expressing doubts about whether the evidence justified pursuing charges against Brennan, whose agency had assessed that Russia boosted Trump in 2016.

Joseph diGenova, a former lawyer for Trump's campaign, is planning to lead a grand jury investigation into alleged 'grand conspiracy' cases against Trump's political opponents. DiGenova will split time between Miami and Fort Pierce, where the grand jury is overseen by a Trump-favored judge.

Trump loyalist Joe diGenova is leading a grand conspiracy probe targeting Trump's political opponents within the Department of Justice. The investigation marks a continuation of what critics describe as politically motivated prosecutions.

Harmeet Dhillon, a Department of Justice lawyer with a take-no-prisoners litigation approach, has become a top contender for leading Trump's retribution mission against the president's perceived enemies. Legal experts have expressed alarm at her approach.

The Southern Poverty Law Center was indicted on 11 federal fraud charges related to payments made to informants in extremist groups, including the Ku Klux Klan, with the indictment announced by DOJ official Todd Blanche.

A federal judge is questioning the legal basis for Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS, raising doubts about the viability of the case.

Trump's former personal attorney Todd Blanche is positioning himself for the role of attorney general by championing Trump's retaliation agenda, raising concerns about further politicization of the justice department if confirmed.

The Justice Department indicted former FBI Director James Comey over an Instagram post featuring seashells that prosecutors allege was a threat to President Trump, while Comey maintains his innocence. The case has drawn significant scrutiny as part of ongoing tensions between Trump and his former intelligence official.

The Justice Department indicted former FBI Director James Comey, claiming his Instagram post of seashells arranged in '86 47' constituted a threat against Trump. Comey surrendered to authorities and was charged with two felonies.

Former FBI Director James Comey was re-indicted, with critics arguing the prosecution represents a twisted application of justice and continued political assault by the Trump administration on the rule of law.

Trump continued his push for 'electoral retribution' against political enemies within his own party, backing challengers in a series of Republican primaries scheduled for May. The strategy plays a starring role in ongoing party contests.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the indictment against former FBI Director James Comey is based on evidence beyond the Instagram seashell photo, though some Trump allies remain skeptical of the charges.

The Trump Justice Department issued a subpoena seeking contact details of Fulton County poll workers from the 2020 election, with Georgia officials attempting to block the federal prosecutor's demand for information.

Former special counsel Jack Smith accused the Justice Department of being 'corrupted' by Trump and his allies, stating at a private Washington event that department leaders were targeting people for prosecution to please and impress the president.

An appeals court paused Trump's $83 million payment to E. Jean Carroll in a defamation case pending Supreme Court action, meaning the president will not have to pay the award until the Supreme Court reviews or rejects an appeal.

Former FBI chief James Comey faced a second indictment, with experts saying the move by the acting attorney general signals retaliation fears and suggests additional cases against Trump's political foes amid claims of a vindictive Department of Justice.

The Trump administration was considering a $1.7 billion fund to compensate political allies investigated under the Biden administration, a proposal critics described as an unusual political slush fund financed by taxpayers.

Trump reportedly may settle his lawsuit against the IRS for a $1.7 billion fund to compensate himself and his allies, which would involve the use of billions of taxpayer dollars in what critics describe as an unprecedented self-dealing maneuver.

Representative Lauren Boebert suggested that Trump may have withheld federal clean drinking water funds from Colorado in connection with the prosecution of election denier Tina Peters, whose sentence was recently commuted by the Colorado governor.

A Tennessee-based tax settlement with the Trump administration could distribute billions of taxpayer dollars to the president and his allies if the full amount requested is granted, potentially more than doubling the Trump family's net worth.

President Trump voluntarily withdrew his $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax returns, with reports indicating a settlement was near completion. The motion to dismiss was filed in federal court on May 18.

The Department of Justice established a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund to compensate people it claims were wronged by the federal government, a group that could largely consist of Trump allies including January 6 rioters. Democratic lawmakers criticized the fund as raising 'the specter of corruption unparalleled'.

The Department of Justice and Trump administration reached a settlement that dismisses a $10 billion IRS lawsuit and creates a $1.7 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' to compensate Trump's political allies. As part of the deal, the IRS is permanently barred from auditing Trump's past tax returns and pursuing a separate ~$100 million penalty involving the Trump Organization's claimed losses.

Senate Republicans blocked an amendment by Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) that would have barred the Trump administration from creating the anti-weaponization compensation fund for Trump's allies.

President Trump reached a deal with the Justice Department granting himself and family members immunity from federal tax investigations, effectively barring the IRS from pursuing tax claims against them. The arrangement has drawn criticism from legal experts and lawmakers who view it as an unprecedented use of executive power to shield personal financial interests from federal oversight.

The Justice Department told President Trump he does not have to worry about IRS audits despite his reputation for using aggressive tax reduction techniques. Experts questioned the extraordinary decision that appears to grant Trump immunity from IRS scrutiny.

Judges and grand juries have increasingly lost confidence in the Justice Department as prosecutors report Trump is using it to reward allies and pursue opponents. This is affecting the department's ability to function effectively.

Former judges have urged an inquiry into a deal Trump struck with the IRS, with the motion asking the judge overseeing the initial suit against the IRS to examine the terms of the settlement.

The U.S. Department of Justice reportedly opened a criminal inquiry into E. Jean Carroll, examining whether she committed perjury in a 2022 deposition tied to lawsuits against President Trump. Carroll had prevailed in a civil trial after accusing Trump of sexual abuse.

A bipartisan group of former federal judges asked a federal court to reopen President Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service and challenged his $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund, arguing it was a 'fraud on the court' that would funnel taxpayer dollars to Trump allies including January 6 rioters.

Trump dropped his $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service, with discussions among lawyers with allegiance to the president taking place outside normal White House channels. Some senior White House officials said they felt blindsided by the agreement.

The Justice Department opened an investigation into billionaire Reid Hoffman's financial backing of E. Jean Carroll's lawsuits against Trump, with Hoffman claiming the inquiry is meant to silence Trump critics.

Lead prosecutor Matthew Petracca withdraws from the criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey, with Timothy Severo replacing him. The DOJ filing did not provide reasons for the change.

Trump withdrew his controversial $1.8 billion 'weaponization' fund, which was designed to compensate alleged victims of prosecutorial misconduct under Biden but drew criticism as a political slush fund to reward allies.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed that Trump's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund will not proceed, citing fierce backlash and court setbacks. However, Blanche said an order shielding Trump and his family from IRS audits will remain in place.

The White House sought to impose a political test on billions in federal grants, proposing that the administration could block grants if they do not satisfy Trump's agenda or support what it calls 'anti-American' values.

Former Trump administration national security adviser John Bolton agreed to plead guilty to a single count of retaining classified information under a plea deal with the Justice Department, potentially allowing him to avoid prison time.

The Trump administration announced it will drop the $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund intended to provide financial settlements to people claiming political persecution, following Republican party dissent over the plan.

The Trump administration obtained a court ruling granting the president immunity from IRS tax audits, described as a victory in a long-running feud that provides potentially lucrative tax protections.

The Justice Department launched a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll, the woman who accused Trump of sexual assault, marking an unprecedented use of federal law enforcement against a Trump accuser.

Trump refused to rule out using a newly established 'anti-weaponization' fund to compensate Capitol rioters who attacked police on January 6, saying he would 'pay the kind of money they deserve' during the Meet the Press interview.

House Democrats are planning investigations and potential prosecutions of Trump administration officials in 2029, accusing them of violating laws regarding immigration raids, financial self-dealing, and targeting Trump's political enemies.

A federal judge in Virginia extended a court-ordered block on the Trump administration's $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund,' which was created to compensate alleged victims of a weaponized government. The ruling prevents the administration from operating the settlement fund.

Trump announced he will nominate James M. McDonald, a veteran former federal prosecutor and member of his legal team appealing his criminal conviction, as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, replacing Jay Clayton who was nominated as director of national intelligence.

California Governor Gavin Newsom accused the Trump administration of directing the Department of Justice to investigate him and his wife, saying he is being targeted for considering a presidential bid. Newsom claimed the investigations are politically motivated, though the DOJ has not commented on the allegations.

The Trump administration shuttered a federal criminal probe into the circumstances behind the commutation of fraudster David Gentile's sentence, which was aided by a Catholic priest with ties to the president.

Former IRS and Department of Justice officials file an amicus brief urging a court to rule that President Trump's audit immunity deal is unlawful, raising questions about the legality of the agreement.

Former national security adviser John Bolton pleaded guilty to mishandling classified information, admitting to sharing classified materials with relatives. He could face up to five years in prison, though a plea deal may help him avoid incarceration.

The Trump administration is targeting Cop City protesters in a latest push to prosecute activists it labels as 'antifa,' with critics saying the government is 'creating a boogeyman' to frame protesters as terrorists. Courts have imposed extreme sentences of 50-100 years on some anti-ICE protesters convicted under terrorism charges.

An investigation revealed that Trump cut a billion-dollar mining deal with Kazakhstan that gives American investors with ties to the president and Commerce Secretary Lutnick access to one of the world's largest untapped tungsten reserves, with Trump's sons positioned to profit from the arrangement.

Democrats are preparing congressional investigations into Trump's finances and income, planning a 'subpoena storm' to expose what they characterize as the most lucrative presidency in American history and end the financial windfall.

President Trump pardoned 11 people on July 3rd, including nine individuals convicted of violating the Clean Air Act, and a major donor involved in fraud connected to Jack Abramoff.

A federal judge quashed a Justice Department subpoena in the 2020 election inquiry, finding that it was too late to bring criminal charges in the case. The ruling cast serious doubts on the Trump administration's efforts to reinvestigate the 2020 race.