Trump Allies Prepare too Reshape Justice Department, Raising Concerns Over Independence
WASHINGTON – A network of conservative legal figures, many with direct ties to former President Donald Trump, is actively preparing for a potential second Trump governance by developing detailed plans to overhaul the Department of Justice (DOJ). These preparations, revealed through interviews and a review of internal documents, include vetting potential personnel, drafting policy proposals, and outlining strategies to pursue investigations targeting political opponents – raising alarms about the future of the DOJ’s independence and its role in upholding the rule of law.
The effort, spearheaded by groups like the Conservative Partnership Institute (CPI), a non-profit association led by former Attorney General William Barr, and the America frist Legal Foundation, founded by former Trump white House counsel Stephen Miller, signals a dramatic shift in approach should Trump return to office. Unlike previous presidential transitions, this initiative is occurring well in advance of the 2024 election, fueled by Trump’s repeated claims of a “weaponized” DOJ and a desire for retribution against those he believes have unfairly targeted him. The scope of the planning extends beyond personnel changes, encompassing a broader restructuring of the DOJ’s priorities and a potential re-litigation of settled legal battles.
The stakes are exceptionally high. A remade DOJ could be used to pursue politically motivated investigations, potentially targeting President Biden, his family, and individuals involved in investigations related to the January 6th insurrection and Trump’s handling of classified documents. Experts warn this could erode public trust in the justice system, politicize law enforcement, and ultimately undermine the foundations of American democracy.The preparations are notably concerning given Trump’s history of publicly pressuring the DOJ to intervene in cases on his behalf, a pattern that prompted resignations from senior officials during his first term.
CPI’s “Mandate Project,” a 900-page plan obtained by The New York Times, outlines a strategy for a conservative takeover of the federal government, with a important focus on the DOJ. The document details plans to fill hundreds of positions with individuals aligned with Trump’s agenda, including roles within the Civil Rights Division, the Environmental and Natural Resources Division, and the U.S. Attorney’s offices. The project emphasizes prioritizing cases involving election integrity, border security, and alleged “woke ideology” within the federal bureaucracy.
America First Legal, meanwhile, is actively building a legal team and identifying potential cases to pursue, focusing on challenging diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and fighting against what they describe as “radical left” policies. Stephen Miller has publicly stated the organization’s intention to “systematically dismantle” what he views as the Biden administration’s overreach.
Former DOJ officials express deep concern about the implications of these preparations. “This isn’t a normal transition planning exercise,” said one former senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “This is about weaponizing the DOJ for political purposes, and it’s happening in plain sight. The idea that they’re starting this now, before the election, is deeply troubling.”
The potential for a second Trump administration to reshape the DOJ is further amplified by a recent Supreme Court ruling limiting the power of independent counsel.This decision could allow a future president to exert greater control over investigations involving themselves or their associates. As the 2024 election draws closer,the preparations underway by Trump allies are raising fundamental questions about the future of justice and accountability in the United States. The outcome will likely determine whether the DOJ remains a non-partisan institution dedicated to upholding the law, or becomes a tool for political retribution.
