Tag

#DOJ weaponization

The use of the Department of Justice as a political tool to prosecute opponents, shield allies, and suppress dissent — a fundamental corruption of the justice system's independence and impartiality.

4 incidents

Updated May 20, 2026 Rule of Law
Critical Rights and Rule-of-Law Concern Ongoing

DOJ Indicts Southern Poverty Law Center for Hate-Group Monitoring Operations (May 2026)

Trump's DOJ indicted the SPLC — the nation's leading hate-group monitor — on fraud and money laundering charges for using paid informants to infiltrate white supremacist organizations, a standard law enforcement and investigative journalism practice. The SPLC pleaded not guilty on May 7–8, 2026. Legal experts called the prosecution 'as unprecedented as it is irregular.' The case is the most direct attack to date on civil society organizations that document extremism.

Sources
4
SPLCSouthern Poverty Law CenterDOJ weaponizationpolitical prosecutionvengeance tour
Updated May 20, 2026 Rule of Law
Critical Rights and Rule-of-Law Concern Ongoing

DOJ Indicts James Comey Over Instagram Photo in 'Vengeance Tour' Prosecution (April 2026)

Trump's DOJ indicted former FBI Director Comey for posting an Instagram photo of seashells reading '86 47,' claiming it was a death threat. Legal experts universally called it unprecedented political prosecution. Comey faces prison time for a social media post expressing opposition to Trump's presidency. The case is part of Trump's documented 'vengeance tour' targeting political enemies.

Sources
3
James ComeyDOJ weaponizationpolitical prosecutionvengeance tourFirst Amendment
Updated March 26, 2026 Corruption & Self-Dealing
Critical Rights and Rule-of-Law Concern Ongoing

Epstein Files: DOJ Withholds Evidence, UN Experts Warn of Crimes Against Humanity

After signing the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the Trump administration's DOJ missed legal deadlines, secretly re-redacted files, and withheld documents containing allegations that Trump sexually abused a minor — prompting a UN finding that the crimes described may amount to crimes against humanity, bipartisan congressional subpoenas of AG Bondi, and calls for a special counsel over alleged perjury.

Sources
13
Jeffrey Epsteincrimes against humanityobstruction of justicePam Bondiperjury
Updated March 25, 2026 Rule of Law
Serious Rights Violation Ongoing

Weaponization of the Department of Justice: Retaliatory Investigations and Prosecutions

Systematic weaponization of the DOJ through a retaliatory investigations unit, indictments of political opponents that were dismissed as brought by an unlawfully appointed prosecutor, mass departure of career prosecutors, and dismantlement of the Civil Rights Division and Public Integrity Section.

Sources
7
DOJ weaponizationretaliatory prosecutionLetitia JamesJames ComeyCivil Rights Division