President Donald Trump initiated significant changes to the Justice Department (DOJ) during the first year of his second term, raising concerns about the erosion of prosecutorial independence. The changes began on the first day of his term, with instructions to the DOJ aimed at ending the "weaponization" of prosecutorial power, according to a statement released by the White House on January 20, 2025.

Critics argue that these changes have led to the prioritization of partisan goals over impartial justice. The traditional concept of "prosecutorial independence," which maintains that investigations and prosecutions should remain free from political influence, is now under scrutiny. While the DOJ is part of the executive branch, it has historically operated with a degree of autonomy to ensure unbiased enforcement of federal law.

"The concern is that the DOJ is now being used as a tool to target political opponents and protect allies," said Sarah Chen, a legal analyst at the American Civil Liberties Union, in an interview on December 28, 2025. "This undermines the integrity of the justice system and erodes public trust."

The administration defends its actions by asserting the need to correct what it perceives as past abuses of power within the DOJ. Officials argue that previous administrations had allowed political biases to influence prosecutorial decisions, leading to unfair targeting of individuals and organizations.

The impact of these changes has been felt across various sectors. Legal experts note a shift in the types of cases being pursued, with a greater emphasis on investigations related to alleged voter fraud and perceived threats to national security. Simultaneously, some investigations into potential wrongdoing by individuals connected to the administration have reportedly been stalled or dismissed.

The current status of the DOJ reflects a department grappling with internal divisions and external scrutiny. Several career prosecutors have resigned or been reassigned, citing concerns about political interference. Congress is expected to hold hearings in early 2026 to investigate the allegations of partisan influence within the DOJ and assess the long-term implications for the rule of law. The outcome of these hearings could lead to legislative efforts aimed at reinforcing the independence of the Justice Department.