On with Kara Swisher How Trump Dismantled the Department of Justice with Carol Leonnig
7 snips
Nov 6, 2025 
In this engaging conversation, investigative journalist and five-time Pulitzer Prize winner Carol Leonnig discusses her insights on how Trump reshaped the Department of Justice. She explores the structural damage caused by political pressures, the missed FBI warnings before January 6, and how partisanship influenced the actions of figures like Bill Barr. Leonnig emphasizes the importance of restoring the DOJ's independence and highlights the dangerous implications of a politicized justice system, stressing the need for integrity moving forward.
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Noble Intentions, Wrong Playbook
- Merrick Garland had noble intentions to restore DOJ independence but relied on old post-Watergate playbooks that didn't fit the new political reality.
- That cautious approach left prosecutors exposed to unprecedented political pressure and maneuvering.
Fear Was Weaponized First
- Trump and his allies used personal attacks and public pressure to intimidate career DOJ and FBI officials and shape investigations.
- Those attacks created long-lasting fear that changed how agents and prosecutors acted even when evidence demanded action.
Agents Refused A Search Until Ordered
- Olson's team pushed the FBI to search Trump's properties but field agents balked, saying they'd only act if ordered by superiors.
- Alan Kohler explained agents were afraid after careers were ruined by prior political targeting.
