The NPR Politics Podcast Trump’s Quest For Political Retribution Is Impeding The Justice Department
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Dec 1, 2025 The discussion dives into Trump's strategy of targeting political foes and elevating allies within the Justice Department. This shift raises concerns about fairness in high-profile cases, including the prosecutions of James Comey. The hosts highlight a troubling trend of unlawful attorney appointments and the diminishing credibility of the DOJ. They also examine how flawed communications have complicated Texas redistricting efforts. Amidst Trump's influence, the prospects for a conservative Supreme Court's impact on voting rights and map disputes are scrutinized.
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Unlawful Appointments Can Void Power
- The Third Circuit ruled Alina Habba was unlawfully appointed and cannot supervise cases as U.S. attorney in New Jersey.
- That decision highlights legal limits on how the White House can install loyalists without Senate confirmation.
Wider Pattern Of Questionable Installations
- Multiple recent rulings found Trump allies unlawfully appointed, producing dismissals and legal instability.
- These rulings create uncertainty across U.S. attorney offices in several states and disrupt ongoing prosecutions.
Dismissals Could Complicate Retribution Cases
- Dismissals in Comey and Tish James cases followed after a judge found the prosecutor who signed indictments was unlawfully appointed.
- That raises statute-of-limitations and selective-prosecution issues if new indictments are later pursued.