Justice Department

The Justice Department aims to reinstate criminal smuggling charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia following a previous dismissal by a federal judge in Tennessee. Simultaneously, Abrego Garcia is facing separate legal action in Maryland federal court regarding potential deportation to Liberia.

A federal appeals court panel upheld an order disqualifying Sigal Chattah as the top federal prosecutor in Nevada, ruling that the Justice Department could not keep her in charge through its appointment and delegation mechanisms. The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found that under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, a first assistant cannot automatically become acting U.S. attorney unless they held that position when the vacancy occurred. Consequently, the panel rejected arguments regarding both designation as first assistant and general delegation of functions.

A federal appeals court panel upheld a ruling that disqualified Sigal Chattah as the top federal prosecutor in Nevada, finding that the Justice Department's appointment and delegation mechanisms were unlawful. The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act provision used by DOJ, a first assistant could not automatically become acting U.S. attorney. This disqualification means Chattah cannot supervise prosecutions in three criminal cases.

U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche publicly supported Jeanine Pirro after her office dismissed a vandalism case involving the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, stating that evidence suggested damage may stem from faulty construction rather than malice. Blanche praised Pirro's work on enforcing laws against vandalism at memorials and also acknowledged President Donald Trump’s view urging an investigation into revisiting the dropped case.

US Attorney General Todd Blanche defended US Attorney Jeanine Pirro after she dismissed a federal vandalism case involving the Reflecting Pool. Blanche stated that Pirro is doing a phenomenal job enforcing laws regarding alleged vandalism and emphasized that he supports her actions while remaining candid about promising independence from the White House. He assured that the Justice Department will act with integrity, prosecuting without fear or favor.

California authorities seized over $800,000 worth of suspected cocaine from a vehicle stopped in Merced County after an alleged traffic violation. The investigation is being handled by the Merced Area Gang Narcotics Enforcement Team (MAGNET). Additionally, federal agencies reported other large seizures, including over half-a-ton of cocaine at the Calexico Port of Entry and drugs found concealed in cucumber shipments.

Melissa L. Farris was arrested and charged with felony charges for vandalizing the World War II memorial in Washington, DC. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated the vandalism was a 'despicable attack' and charges include destruction of US property. Farris faces up to 10 years in prison, following an incident where she allegedly spray painted graffiti on the monument.

Dr. Anthony Fauci declined a request to appear before a second Senate panel after majority Republicans voted in contempt of him. His lawyer stated that compelling his appearance would constitute harassment for political purposes following a contentious July hearing where Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment. This initial vote led to a referral to the Justice Department regarding whether he properly exercised his constitutional rights.

Dr. Anthony Fauci declined a request to appear voluntarily before a second Senate panel following a partisan contempt vote by majority Republicans on the Homeland Security Committee. His lawyer argued that any effort to compel his appearance would be for political purposes and constitute harassment. The controversy stems from a July hearing where Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment 100 times, setting up an investigation into his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Justice Department characterized an incident involving an Iranian missile threat and President Trump switching planes as an “assassination attempt” in a new court filing. U.S. Solicitor General John Sauer mentioned this event while submitting an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court to challenge a lower court’s block.

Federal Judge Emmet Sullivan issued a chilling warning to Justice Department lawyers regarding documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein, stating that non-compliance with court orders could lead to contempt proceedings because the public has a right to know. The case was filed by journalist Katie Phang and seeks the release of FBI records and lifting redactions of names. Sullivan also brought up past instances where he held prosecutors in civil contempt.

The federal government scrambled to find criminal cases supporting President Donald Trump’s claims of illegal voting by noncitizens, leading agents from Homeland Security Investigations to work across the country. Joe Teirab reported that after subpoenaing records on about 130 people in Minnesota, only one had been referred for prosecution, noting that the HSI task force was disorganized and the entire process was dysfunctional. ProPublica reviewed internal emails showing Department of Homeland Security’s personnel were tasked with leading this election agenda despite meager results.

The Justice Department is targeting smaller fraud cases, according to a recent declaration. Additionally, department officials have internally stated that every assistant U.S. attorney must maintain at least 25 open cases at all times.

Three Wall-Street-affiliated grantmaking giants—Vanguard Charitable, Fidelity Charitable, and Charles Schwab’s DAFgiving360—cut off donor dollars to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) using selective logic. ProPublica investigated these decisions, uncovering troubling inconsistencies in how the groups applied their policies, noting that donors and affected charities are routinely left unaware of the decision-making process.

Luigi Mangione is scheduled for a federal court hearing where he is expected to plead guilty regarding the 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione faced charges related to ambushing Thompson outside a New York City hotel on Dec. 4, 2024. The cases involve him stalking Thompson, with both federal and state proceedings potentially leading to life imprisonment.

Following a court ruling, the Trump administration permitted a key gun law to lapse. This was facilitated by the Justice Department’s retreat, which effectively caused a pillar of the Prohibition-era National Firearms Act to expire.

President Donald Trump signed a national security memorandum enabling private sector companies to assist law enforcement in offensive hacking operations against transnational criminal organizations (TCOs). The memo mandates the creation of a federal coordination center that will authorize participating companies to conduct Cyber Surveillance and Cyber Effects Operations under government control. Participating companies must sign contracts with agencies like the Justice Department or Department of Homeland Security after undergoing rigorous vetting.

The FBI marked the first anniversary of the federal enforcement effort in Washington, D.C., touting that more than 6,000 arrests and nearly 2,000 drug seizures had occurred. FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted that homicides in D.C. are down an incredible 44% from the previous year. The crackdown followed President Donald Trump's Safe and Beautiful initiative to increase federal law enforcement presence.

President Donald Trump announced that Will Scharf will serve as his new White House counsel, replacing David Warrington starting Sept. 1. Scharf previously headed the National Capital Planning Commission and helped secure approval for a $400 million ballroom project. The role of White House Counsel advises on legal matters related to the presidency and handles presidential pardons and appointments.

Todd Blanche has formally taken over at the Justice Department and is now facing pressure from the president to pursue his critics. These critics include James B. Comey.

The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a narrow 50-49 vote, following concerns about installing Trump’s close ally atop the Justice Department. To secure his confirmation, Blanche publicly promised to abandon proposed compensation funds and rein in a settlement designed to shield Trump from IRS tax audits.

The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a narrow 50-49 vote, which allows him to pursue the Trump administration's agenda aggressively. The confirmation followed a tumultuous fight regarding his loyalty to President Donald Trump and concerns about the Justice Department’s independence. Blanche publicly promised that the department would abandon Trump's proposed compensation fund and rein in other settlement elements.

Senate Republicans confirmed Todd Blanche as the 88th Attorney General of the United States, marking a major victory for President Donald Trump and the rule of law. Despite full Democrat opposition, the confirmation process faced hurdles, which were overcome largely by Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. His efforts ensured that the nomination proceeded successfully.

The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general. This confirmation is noted for cementing the ex-Trump attorney’s command of the Justice Department in Washington.

The Senate narrowly approved Blanche to serve as AG, bringing an end to a tough confirmation fight. This vote grants him the position of head of the Justice Department. He was previously identified as President Donald Trump’s former criminal defense lawyer.

The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general with a narrow vote of 50-49, following weeks of opposition regarding potential conflicts of interest and concerns over an Anti-Weaponization Fund established through Trump’s settlement with the IRS. Sen. Bill Cassidy's support was key to securing the confirmation, which occurred despite Murkowski announcing her intention to oppose the nomination.

Todd Blanche was confirmed as attorney general by a narrow Senate vote of 50-49, giving President Donald Trump's former personal attorney command of the Justice Department. The confirmation followed significant opposition and required Blanche to publicly promise that the department would abandon proposals for compensation funds for Trump's allies and limit protection from IRS tax audits.

The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a narrow 50-49 vote, allowing Trump’s former personal attorney command of the Justice Department. The confirmation follows concerns about maintaining the department's independence and was secured after Blanche promised to abandon Trump’s proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund for allies. Opposition noted that Blanche's loyalty to Trump remained a central point of conflict.

The Pentagon revoked former U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall’s eligibility to access classified information and barred him from sensitive positions after alleging disclosure of sensitive details about Air Force One's capabilities. The revocation follows reporting on security concerns regarding a new, Qatari-gifted retrofit aircraft. Separately, the Justice Department subpoenaed reporters but later withdrew them, sparking fears over press freedoms.

The Pentagon revoked former U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall's access to classified information and barred him from sensitive positions, alleging he disclosed sensitive information about Air Force One’s capabilities to the media. The controversy follows reports questioning the new, Qatari-gifted Air Force One's advanced security features compared to older models. In related events, the Justice Department subpoenaed reporters covering the issue, stirring fears over press freedoms.

The Pentagon revoked former U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall's access to classified information after alleging he disclosed sensitive details about Air Force One's capabilities to the media. This action followed reports detailing security concerns regarding a new, Qatari-gifted Air Force One. Additionally, it was reported that President Donald Trump used an older model plane when departing the NATO summit.

A bipartisan counteroffer for ethics language in a cryptocurrency bill requires federal officials, including Donald Trump, to divest certain ownership stakes if they exceed $1 million and represent 10 percent or more of a firm's value. The provision was sent by Sens. Thom Tillis and Ruben Gallego to address concerns about crypto businesses. While the state attorneys general’s authority remains a major sticking point in discussions, the language is known as the Clarity Act.

A Senate committee is scheduled to vote on whether to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress for refusing to answer questions regarding COVID-19. The panel, led by Sen. Rand Paul, may refer him to the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Office for potential prosecution. This situation highlights complicated legal questions concerning lawmakers' ability to compel testimony from previously pardoned witnesses.

A Senate committee is set to vote on holding Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress over his refusal to answer questions regarding COVID-19 handling. Separately, Iran announced that an agreement with Oman concerning the Strait of Hormuz is in the “final stage” of drafting, reportedly contingent on the U.S. lifting its blockade on Iranian ports.

A Senate committee is preparing to vote on whether to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress due to his refusal to answer questions during a recent hearing. If found in contempt, he could be referred to the Justice Department for potential prosecution regarding his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Senate committee is scheduled to vote on whether to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress and refer him to the Justice Department over his refusal to answer questions about the COVID-19 pandemic. The potential action follows that Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during a hearing before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. This episode raises complicated questions about lawmakers' ability to compel testimony from previously pardoned witnesses.

A Senate committee will vote on whether to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress and refer him to the Justice Department regarding his refusal to answer questions about COVID-19. During a hearing, Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination more than 100 times before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The panel is considering a recommendation to the U.S. Attorney's Office, raising questions about compelling testimony from previously pardoned witnesses.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is meeting with GOP Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana to secure their support for his confirmation as the permanent leader of the Justice Department. The meeting takes place in the Capitol as part of efforts to finalize his appointment.

U.S. Senate Democrats criticized the Department of Education's plan to transfer its special education programs and civil rights enforcement responsibilities to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Justice Department, respectively. Advocates and former officials expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on students with disabilities and civil rights protections.

The article discusses the Justice Department's dropped case against Olympian David Hearn, which was criticized as baseless, and features a conversation about Herbert Hoover's legacy with Margaret Hoover, his great-granddaughter. It also includes a review of John le Carré's spy novel 'The Spy Who Came in From the Cold'.