Created Weaponization Working Group in DOJ to target political opponents
February 15, 2025
Systemic Escalation
Founders' Principles Violated
Guardrails Violated
Separation of powers and constitutional balance between branches violated.
Due process protections and procedural requirements bypassed.
Independent oversight mechanisms and accountability structures undermined.
Constitutional rights to life, liberty, and due process violated.
Trigger
Attorney General appointed by Trump created 'Weaponization Working Group' within Department of Justice in February 2025, described as investigating 'politicized prosecutions' but widely seen as targeting political opponents and critics of the administration.
Action Taken
Created Weaponization Working Group within DOJ in February 2025, tasked with investigating 'politicized prosecutions' and 'selective enforcement.' The group treated political opponents and officials who criticized Trump as 'suspected adversaries' even when formal charges were absent. Group operated with broad authority to investigate and potentially prosecute political opponents. Critics argued this politicized the DOJ and violated norms of prosecutorial independence.
In His Own Words
"We need to investigate politically motivated prosecutions."
"The justice system has been weaponized against conservatives."
"We will hold accountable those who abuse prosecutorial power."
What's Wrong
DOJ working group created to investigate and potentially prosecute political opponents, violating norms of prosecutorial independence and non-partisan enforcement. Group treated critics as 'suspected adversaries' without formal charges. Bypassed normal DOJ procedures for independence and non-political enforcement. Experts warned this 'politicizes the DOJ' and undermines separation of powers.
Impact
Institutional: Politicization of DOJ undermines prosecutorial independence and public trust in justice system. Legal: Selective prosecution based on political views raises equal protection concerns. Operational: Creates chilling effect on political speech and criticism. Political: Bipartisan criticism of DOJ politicization.
Sources & Full Details
Primary Sources
Background
The Weaponization Working Group was created within DOJ to investigate 'politicized prosecutions.' Critics argued the group was designed to target political opponents and critics of the administration, treating them as 'suspected adversaries' even without formal charges. Legal experts warned this politicized the DOJ and violated norms of prosecutorial independence. The group's operations raised concerns about selective prosecution and abuse of prosecutorial power.
Why Level 4?
Systemic escalation: DOJ used to target political opponents, politicizing law enforcement. Multiple guardrails bypassed: separation of powers, prosecutorial independence, due process, equal protection. Measurable harm to institutional integrity and public trust in justice system.