Justice Department Under Fire for Alleged Politicization as Trump Directs AG to Target Enemies

Justice Department Under Fire for Alleged Politicization In a move that has raised concerns about the independence of the Justice Department, President Donald Trump has publicly called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to use the department's powers to target his perceived political enemies. The incident marks the latest in a series of events that have led critics to accuse the administration of politicizing the agency. According to sources, Trump made the request on Saturday, specifically mentioning individuals he claimed were guilty of wrongdoing: former FBI Director James Comey, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, and New York Attorney General Letitia James. "All talk, no action," Trump complained in a subsequent post, suggesting that Bondi had not taken sufficient action against these targets. In another development, Trump announced plans to appoint his former personal attorney, Lindsey Halligan, as the new US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, replacing Erik Siebert, who resigned on Friday amid intense pressure from the president. The move has sparked concerns about the politicization of the Justice Department and the potential for retaliatory prosecutions. Siebert had previously declined to pursue a mortgage fraud indictment against James, citing insufficient evidence. Trump claims he fired Siebert, not the other way around, but sources close to the matter suggest that the resignation was indeed voluntary. Critics argue that these developments demonstrate a clear attempt by the administration to use the Justice Department as a tool for personal and political gain. "This is a fundamental threat to the rule of law and the independence of the Justice Department," said Senator Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York. "The President's actions are an abuse of power and undermine the integrity of our justice system." Supporters of the administration argue that Trump has every right to request investigations into individuals he believes have committed wrongdoing. "The President is simply exercising his constitutional authority as Commander-in-Chief," said White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany. "These requests are not unusual or unprecedented, and they do not constitute politicization." However, experts warn that the long-term impact of these actions could be severe. "If the Justice Department becomes seen as a tool for personal and political vendettas, it will undermine public trust in the institution and erode its ability to carry out its core functions," said University of Virginia Law Professor Richard Schragger. As the situation continues to unfold, lawmakers are calling for greater transparency and accountability within the administration. "We need to know more about the President's involvement in these investigations and whether he is using his power to intimidate or coerce officials into pursuing cases that benefit him personally," said Representative Adam Schiff. The Justice Department has yet to comment on the matter, but sources suggest that Bondi will face intense scrutiny in the coming days as she navigates this complex and highly politicized landscape. *Reporting by Motherjones.*