During a visit to the Justice Department on Friday, President Donald Trump criticized past administrations for transforming it into what he called the "Department of Injustice." This visit comes as Trump aims to regain influence over the nation's leading law enforcement body, which had previously pursued two significant prosecutions against him, both of which were nullified by his victory in the 2024 election.
Trump addressed the audience, declaring a new era for America, emphasizing the need to move past years of corruption and misuse of power. He promised to restore fair and impartial justice under the Constitution, asserting that the DOJ and FBI would once again lead in crime-fighting efforts globally. He reiterated his accusation that the Justice Department had been used as a tool against him, claiming that a corrupt faction within the government had misused its power to undermine the American people's will.
Trump, who was convicted of 34 felony counts in New York in May 2024, stated that the era of injustice was over and vowed to hold accountable those responsible for past wrongs. This visit marked his first time inside the Robert F. Kennedy building as president, following the January 6 Capitol riot and subsequent DOJ charges against his supporters. Despite facing four criminal cases, all charges were dropped after his election, not due to lack of merit, allowing him to escape severe repercussions. Trump has consistently denied the allegations, labeling them politically driven.
The early days of Trump's presidency have brought significant changes to the DOJ, with political appointees quickly replacing or removing career officials in key criminal and national security roles. Prosecutors involved in the January 6 investigations and those who worked on former special counsel Jack Smith's probes were dismissed. An attempt to drop a corruption case against New York City Mayor Adams led to a standoff and multiple resignations, with critics citing it as a "quid pro quo" for Adams' cooperation on immigration enforcement.
In his speech, Trump also criticized his predecessor's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, suggesting they should face jail time for what he described as a humiliating exit. He lamented the impact of what he called a "rigged and crooked election" on the country.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt previewed Trump's remarks, indicating a focus on restoring law and order and ending the perceived misuse of justice. She mentioned Trump's intention to outline his vision for the DOJ, emphasizing crime-fighting and community safety, alongside immigration issues.
Most of Trump's top DOJ appointees previously served as his defense attorneys, highlighting his demand for loyalty from the department. Attorney General Pam Bondi, during her confirmation, pledged not to politicize her office, yet her early tenure has been marked by statements underscoring her allegiance to Trump. Bondi has vowed to eliminate officials she claims oppose Trump and has directed DOJ attorneys to vigorously defend the presidency, warning of consequences for those who refuse.
Trump's visit to the DOJ is his first to a government agency since taking office, following a precedent set by former President Barack Obama, who visited for a retirement ceremony for Attorney General Eric Holder in 2015.