Stay Tuned with Preet Vanquishing Justice at DOJ (with Carol Leonnig & Aaron Davis)
Nov 6, 2025
In a riveting conversation, Pulitzer Prize-winning reporters Carol Leonnig and Aaron Davis dissect the turmoil within the Justice Department during the Trump era. They delve into how the DOJ was politicized, the struggles of career staff against weaponization, and the challenges of public trust. Discussing their book, they explore the rhetoric surrounding these issues, shedding light on the complex narratives about accountability and integrity. With insights from their investigative work, they share thoughts on restoring the DOJ's independence and the brave officials resisting political pressures.
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Trump's First Term Scarred DOJ
- Donald Trump began a sustained weakening of DOJ during his first presidency through repeated attacks and norm-bending.
- Leonnig and Davis trace how that scarring reshaped DOJ's foundations and culture.
January 20th Personnel Shockwave
- Major leadership removals and reassignments on January 20th signaled institutional disruption at Main Justice.
- Those personnel shifts spread fear and produced resignations in key sections like public integrity.
Prosecutors Resigned Over Political Orders
- Danielle Sassoon and other senior prosecutors resigned rather than obey orders to dismiss bribery charges.
- The Southern District and SDNY saw significant departures of experienced prosecutors.
