Trump's Terms Unease at DOJ as Trump threats get even more blunt
Sep 23, 2025
The podcast dives into President Trump's overt calls for the Justice Department to target his political enemies. Carrie Johnson reveals the growing unease within the DOJ, with fears of job security and ethical dilemmas leading to potential resignations. The discussion contrasts this boldness with historical instances, particularly drawing parallels to Nixon's era. Additionally, the podcast outlines the limited judicial checks that remain on the DOJ, sparking intrigue about the future of legal oversight in such a politically charged atmosphere.
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Trump Publicly Orders Prosecutions
- President Trump is publicly directing DOJ to prosecute political critics, naming specific targets like Jim Comey, Tish James, and Adam Schiff.
- That public direction intensifies pressure on prosecutors and signals an explicit politicization of DOJ priorities.
Prosecutor Resigns, New Nonprosecutor Installed
- A top Virginia prosecutor resigned after refusing to bring charges Trump wanted against Tish James.
- Trump then installed Lindsay Halligan, who has no prosecutorial experience and was later assigned other White House tasks.
DOJ Career Staff Feel Intimidated
- DOJ officials feel unprecedented fear because the administration framed DOJ lawyers as the president's lawyers.
- Some career lawyers have quit, citing ethical conflicts and concern DOJ is being used as a weapon.