Justice Department

On September 2, 2026, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Virginia rejected the Department of Justice's attempt to force Alphabet's Google to divest its AdX advertising exchange, despite having found Google illegally monopolized ad server and ad exchange markets. The ruling marks the third time a judge has rejected a U.S. antitrust breakup bid against Big Tech. Behavioral remedies were accepted instead, and the DOJ is considering an appeal.

12 reports · 5 sources · Updated Sep 4, 12:28 PM UTC

A U.S. federal appeals court upheld a halt on former President Donald Trump's $400-600 million White House ballroom project, ruling it required congressional approval. The project, which involved demolishing the historic East Wing and included a bunker and drone port, was deemed beyond executive authority. Trump has appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing national security necessity. The case tests executive power limits and historic preservation.

23 reports · 9 sources · Updated Aug 21, 08:56 PM UTC

On August 13, 2026, Melissa Farris vandalized the World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., by filling its fountain with soap and painting "Clean hands Dirty $" in red and green. She faces two felony counts—depredation of U.S. property and destruction of veterans' memorials—carrying up to 10 years in prison. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced the charges amid controversy over dropped charges for a similar Reflecting Pool incident, drawing criticism from President Donald Trump.

31 reports · 6 sources · Updated Aug 18, 07:03 PM UTC

On August 12-13, 2026, President Trump signed a presidential memorandum creating a program that allows vetted U.S. private companies to conduct offensive cyber operations, including surveillance and system disruption, against transnational criminal organizations, particularly ransomware groups. Overseen by DHS and DOJ, the program requires firms to meet security standards, post escrow, and obtain approval for each operation. Operations risking loss of life or armed attack are prohibited, though a classified annex allows exceptions. This marks a shift from information-sharing to active disruption.

9 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 19, 12:59 AM UTC

The U.S. Department of Justice dropped a vandalism charge against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who was accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. Prosecutors cited a flawed and rushed renovation—not intentional vandalism—as the cause of the damage. The case had been pursued under the Trump administration, with President Trump publicly criticizing U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for dismissing it. Hearn’s attorneys called the arrest an abuse of power, and the dismissal undermines remaining vandalism charges.

54 reports · 10 sources · Updated Aug 11, 06:22 PM UTC

President Trump suggested temporarily withdrawing Todd Blanche’s nomination for U.S. Attorney General after Republican Senators Cornyn and Tillis blocked a committee vote. The holdouts demand changes to a $1.8 billion IRS settlement granting Trump immunity from audits. Blanche can remain acting AG, but Trump may wait until the senators leave office next year, risking a Democratic Senate takeover.

91 reports · 15 sources · Updated Aug 11, 02:49 PM UTC

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted along party lines (8-5 or 8-7) to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in criminal contempt of Congress for refusing to answer questions about the COVID-19 pandemic, invoking his Fifth Amendment rights. Chairman Rand Paul argues the pardon from former President Biden invalidates Fauci’s Fifth Amendment claim. The resolution will be sent to Vice President J.D. Vance and then to the Department of Justice for potential prosecution. Democrats criticize the process as a rushed political stunt. If convicted, Fauci faces up to one year in prison.

13 reports · 6 sources · Updated Aug 12, 10:21 PM UTC

OpenAI and its subsidiary Statsig agreed to pay $3.2 million to settle U.S. Justice Department allegations that they discriminated against American job applicants by favoring foreign workers on temporary visas. The DOJ claimed the companies used tactics like requiring paper applications, late-night radio ads, and not posting openings externally to discourage U.S. applicants. The settlement includes $1.2 million in penalties and $2 million for affected workers. OpenAI denied wrongdoing but agreed to revise hiring policies and submit to DOJ monitoring. The case is part of a broader Trump administration crackdown on visa system abuse.

5 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 5, 12:23 PM UTC

The U.S. Justice Department has activated the long-dormant Alien Terrorist Removal Court, created in 1996 but never used, to seek deportation of Nazira Haji Zada, an Afghan legal permanent resident in Fort Worth, Texas. She is accused of supporting an ISIS-inspired plot, including a thwarted 2024 Election Day attack. Her son and son-in-law were convicted. Zada’s lawyers challenge the court’s constitutionality, citing due process concerns over classified evidence and a lower standard of proof. The case may reach the Supreme Court.

5 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 5, 07:14 PM UTC

The Trump administration implemented a new rule to reduce the backlog of 1.4 million asylum cases by nearly a third, effective immediately. Over 400,000 affirmative asylum cases will now be sent directly to Justice Department immigration judges, who can resolve them without hearings, potentially deporting claimants without their cases being heard. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated the system was being exploited for delay and work authorization. Critics argue the change denies asylum seekers a fair chance to present their claims. The rule has a 60-day public comment period before finalization. Separately, the article covers New York City's controversial taxpayer-funded grocery store plan facing a lawsuit from immigrant-led businesses, and the Trump administration's plan to end Medicare Part D subsidies after 2026.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 01:30 PM UTC

Former intelligence officials from The Steady State have called for an independent investigation into a declassified three-page CIA memo on China titled 'Sensitive PRC Reporting from 2018-2020,' which was released as part of Donald Trump's 2020 election-related document dump. The group's analysis found the memo 'departs in both style and format' from CIA drafting culture and lacks standard review markings. Despite its dubious origin, Trump quoted the document during a July 16 national prime-time address, claiming it showed China's efforts to undermine his 2020 re-election. Trump repeated debunked claims of election interference and alleged an intelligence community cover-up, urging the Justice Department to fire those involved and file charges. Steven Cash, executive director of The Steady State and a former CIA official, plans to send a letter to top lawmakers highlighting the document's anomalies, warning that presenting intelligence piecemeal undermines public confidence in the Intelligence Community.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 06:06 PM UTC

Former intelligence officials from The Steady State have called for an independent investigation into a declassified three-page CIA memo titled 'Sensitive PRC Reporting from 2018-2020,' which was released as part of Donald Trump's 2020 election-related document dump. The group's analysis found the document 'departs in both style and format' from standard CIA drafting culture and lacks typical review markers. Despite its dubious origin, Trump directly quoted the memo during a July 16 national address, claiming it showed China's Communist Party sought to reduce his votes and prevent his re-election. Trump used the document to call for Justice Department action against those involved in an alleged cover-up. Former officials warn the memo's narrow perspective and thin context suggest it may have been a response to a targeted request from within the administration. Steven Cash, executive director of The Steady State, plans to send a letter to top lawmakers highlighting the document's anomalies and warning against presenting intelligence products piecemeal to the public.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 06:06 PM UTC

The Justice Department filed an emergency application with the Supreme Court on Monday, seeking approval for President Donald Trump's executive order imposing new restrictions on voting by mail. The request follows a 2-1 ruling by the First U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Saturday that blocked key parts of the March directive, which ordered federal agencies to create voter eligibility lists and restrict USPS delivery of ballots not tied to those lists. More than 20 Democratic attorneys general had challenged the order as unconstitutional and potentially disenfranchising. Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued the lower court's ruling was 'indefensible' and prevented the federal government from promoting election integrity. The appeals court judges said the order would 'sow confusion' and 'threaten disenfranchisement.' Legal experts note the Constitution gives election power to states and Congress, not the president, and independent research has found no evidence of rampant mail-ballot fraud. The Supreme Court has previously shown skepticism of such restrictions. Democratic states have until August 3 to respond, with a decision expected soon after.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 03:37 PM UTC

The White House Correspondents' Dinner is set to take place on July 24, 2026, at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington, D.C., after being cut short in April due to an attempted attack. The event has been moved from the larger Washington Hilton ballroom to a smaller venue, with attendance dropping from an estimated 2,600 to approximately 700. Security measures have been significantly increased, including airport-style screening, fewer access points, unique QR code ticketing, and restricted street access. The dinner comes amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the press, highlighted by the Justice Department's recent withdrawal of subpoenas against New York Times journalists. President Trump is scheduled to speak at the event, which will also honor journalists who have drawn his ire, including Tyler Pager, Kaitlan Collins, and Wall Street Journal reporters. This marks the first time since 1972 the dinner has not been held at the Hilton.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 07:20 PM UTC

Daniel Siad, a 69-year-old French model scout under investigation for recruiting young women and girls for Jeffrey Epstein, was found dead in his Colombes apartment near Paris on July 20, 2026. His name appeared over 1,000 times in declassified Epstein files, with emails showing he arranged meetings with minors. Five women had filed rape and human trafficking complaints against him. An investigation into his death is underway, echoing the 2022 prison death of fellow Epstein-linked agent Jean-Luc Brunel.

13 reports · 6 sources · Updated Jul 26, 04:17 PM UTC

A new draft of the Clarity Act, a 600-plus page cryptocurrency bill approved by Republicans, would impose temporary ethics rules banning public officials, including President Donald Trump, from issuing or sponsoring digital assets until 2029. The provision could restrict Trump from further profiting from his crypto businesses, which earned an estimated $1.4 billion last year. The bill would also require officials to place existing crypto assets in blind trusts or divest them. However, Democrats oppose the measure because it tasks the Justice Department with enforcement while barring state attorneys general from acting. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) called the enforcement plan 'wild and unserious.' With no Democratic support and the Senate set to leave for August recess, the bill is unlikely to reach the 60 votes needed to advance.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:35 PM UTC

The article analyzes acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's confirmation hearing testimony defending a controversial settlement between the Justice Department and Donald Trump. The deal allegedly gives Trump a $1.776 billion fund for January 6 defendants and tax audit relief worth $100 million, in exchange for dropping a lawsuit deemed worthless. Under questioning from Senator John Cornyn, Blanche admitted the settlement is an enforceable contract, meaning Trump could legally compel the DOJ to provide the fund. Blanche simultaneously claimed he could unilaterally terminate the fund, creating a logical contradiction. The article argues this reveals the deal as collusive, as the DOJ and Trump were never true adversaries. Two federal courts have already ruled against the settlement, finding it potentially bogus and collusive. The analysis concludes Blanche offered no coherent legal principle to justify enforcing the tax amnesty while abandoning the fund.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:17 PM UTC

The Supreme Court's decision in Slaughter has triggered a new wave of legal battles over presidential power. President Trump quickly fired Democratic members of the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), Benjamin Hovland and Thomas Hicks, citing the ruling. The EAC, a bipartisan agency, faces uncertainty as no lawsuit has been filed yet. The Federal Reserve's Lisa Cook remains in her job after the Court ruled she deserves more process, and her lawsuit has been remanded to a trial judge. Other fired independent agency leaders, such as Todd Harper and Tanya Otsuka from the NCUA, are pushing forward with legal challenges, arguing their agencies share the Fed's historical independence. The Justice Department is still determining how to proceed in these cases.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 12:00 PM UTC

The Los Angeles Unified School District's failed AI chatbot contract with AllHere has led to an FBI probe, the resignation of Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, and fraud charges against AllHere founder Joanna Smith-Griffin. The chatbot 'Ed' was launched in 2024 but shut down months later after most AllHere staff were furloughed. Prosecutors allege Smith-Griffin inflated financials and embezzled funds. A whistleblower reported that AllHere collected student data in violation of district policies and industry standards, risking exposure of personally identifiable information. The scandal has raised concerns about student privacy under COPPA and other laws, lack of parental consent, and rapid adoption of AI without proper oversight. The article calls for stronger data privacy protections, mandatory training, and parental consent requirements for AI in schools.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 08:25 PM UTC

The Los Angeles Unified School District's failed AI chatbot contract with AllHere has led to the resignation of Superintendent Alberto Carvalho amid an FBI probe. The scandal involves fraud charges against AllHere founder Joanna Smith-Griffin, who allegedly inflated financials and embezzled funds. A whistleblower reported that the chatbot 'Ed' collected student data in violation of policies, risking exposure of personally identifiable information. The article highlights the need for transparency, parental consent, and rigorous evaluation before deploying AI in schools, and calls for stronger data privacy protections and school choice policies.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 08:25 PM UTC

This article from The Week compiles opinion pieces on four distinct topics. Ruth Marcus at The New Yorker discusses President Trump's threats to journalists, focusing on Justice Department subpoenas to New York Times reporters and the chilling effect on source confidentiality. María Ramírez at The Guardian analyzes Spain's FIFA World Cup victory, highlighting its broad international support and the team's cohesive strength. Marcus Collins at Newsweek examines how AI is disrupting traditional 'prestige' career paths, shifting value from pedigree to talent. Mark Z. Barabak at the Los Angeles Times addresses the decline in competitive congressional races, attributing it to partisan gerrymandering and proposing reforms for the next redistricting cycle after 2030.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 06:00 PM UTC

This article from The Week compiles several opinion pieces. Ruth Marcus at The New Yorker discusses President Trump's threats to journalists, noting that Justice Department subpoenas of New York Times reporters endanger source confidentiality. María Ramírez at The Guardian reflects on Spain's FIFA World Cup victory, highlighting its global solidarity symbolism and the team's cohesive strength. Marcus Collins at Newsweek argues that AI will shift prestige careers from pedigree-based to talent-based, disrupting traditional white-collar paths. Mark Z. Barabak at the Los Angeles Times addresses the decline in competitive congressional districts, from 40% in the 1990s to only 18 of 435 today, and calls for redistricting reforms before the 2030 census.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 06:00 PM UTC

A commentary article analyzes National Security Presidential Memorandum NSPM-7, issued on September 25, 2025, which authorizes preemptive law enforcement measures against Americans based on political or ideological beliefs. The directive has become the legal basis for a wave of terrorism prosecutions targeting left-wing protesters, with the Justice Department creating task forces and the FBI establishing an NSPM-7 mission center. On July 16, 2026, Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted a summit with over 65 countries, informally called the 'Antifa summit,' to launch a global offensive against 'radical left terrorism.' Critics raise concerns about executive power and civil liberties, as the memorandum was not passed by Congress and allows limited oversight.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 03:37 PM UTC

This commentary analyzes National Security Presidential Memorandum NSPM-7, issued by President Trump on September 25, 2025, which has become the legal basis for a wave of terrorism prosecutions targeting left-wing activists in the United States. The directive authorizes preemptive law enforcement measures based on ideological beliefs rather than planned violence. The Justice Department has created counterterrorism task forces, the FBI established an NSPM-7 mission center, and the IRS is involved in investigating nonprofit groups. The domestic campaign gained an international dimension on July 16, 2026, when Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted an 'Antifa summit' with representatives from over 65 countries, accusing Iran and Cuba of financing the movement without providing evidence. Critics raise concerns about executive power and civil liberties, as the memorandum was not passed by Congress and allows limited oversight.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 03:37 PM UTC

This commentary analyzes National Security Presidential Memorandum NSPM-7, issued by President Trump on September 25, 2025, which authorizes preemptive law enforcement measures against Americans based on political or ideological beliefs rather than planned violence. The directive has become the legal foundation for a wave of terrorism prosecutions targeting left-wing protesters, with the Justice Department creating task forces and the FBI establishing an NSPM-7 mission center. The domestic campaign gained an international dimension on July 16, 2026, when Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted an 'Antifa summit' with representatives from over 65 countries, accusing Iran and Cuba of bankrolling the movement without providing evidence. Critics raise concerns about executive power and civil liberties, as the memorandum was not passed by Congress and allows the president to direct law enforcement with minimal oversight.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 03:37 PM UTC

The Trump administration has significantly reduced prosecutions of companies for employee wrongdoing, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The Justice Department recently closed several criminal investigations with lenient outcomes or no charges at all. Specific cases involving Alibaba, EagleBank, and Abbott Laboratories were highlighted where prosecutors declined to charge companies despite evidence of executive or managerial involvement in wrongdoing. In each instance, no individuals were charged. The department maintains that companies are not being let off easy, but the pattern marks a sharp departure from previous enforcement approaches. The article, published by Yahoo Finance on July 20, 2026, was written by Dave Michaels and Sadie Gurman.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 01:00 AM UTC

The article analyzes Donald Trump's intensifying campaign against the press, moving from incendiary rhetoric to concrete legal actions. It details recent subpoenas issued to three New York Times journalists by a federal grand jury in Manhattan, related to a leak about Trump's new Air Force One lacking anti-missile capabilities. The White House reportedly directed FBI Director Kash Patel to oversee the leak investigation. Separately, FBI agents seized computers and phones from Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson. The Justice Department defends the subpoenas as routine, but media advocates argue they threaten press freedom and source confidentiality. The piece notes Trump's history of threatening to jail reporters, his barrage of defamation lawsuits, and fears the administration may use the Espionage Act to prosecute journalists for publishing classified information. The article frames these actions as a deliberate assault on independent journalism and democratic accountability.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 10:00 AM UTC

The article analyzes Donald Trump's intensifying campaign against the press, moving from incendiary rhetoric to concrete legal actions. It details recent subpoenas issued to three New York Times journalists by a federal grand jury in Manhattan, related to a leak about Trump's new Air Force One lacking anti-missile capabilities. The White House reportedly directed FBI Director Kash Patel to oversee the leak investigation. Separately, FBI agents seized computers and phones from Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson. The Justice Department defends these actions as standard investigative procedure, but media advocates argue they threaten press freedom and source confidentiality. The article notes Trump's history of threatening reporters with jail, filing defamation lawsuits, and the potential use of the Espionage Act against journalists. Media lawyers warn this represents an unprecedented assault on the First Amendment.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 10:00 AM UTC

The New Yorker analysis details Donald Trump's escalating campaign against the press, moving from rhetoric to legal action. The article focuses on recent subpoenas issued to three New York Times journalists over a leak about Trump's new Air Force One lacking anti-missile capabilities. The Justice Department, under acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, defends the subpoenas as routine material witness requests, but media advocates see them as intimidation. The piece also notes an FBI raid on Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson's home and subpoenas against other journalists that were later withdrawn. Media lawyers warn the administration may use the Espionage Act to prosecute journalists for publishing classified information, which would represent a dramatic escalation. The article frames these actions as part of Trump's long-promised assault on press freedom, threatening the confidentiality that enables investigative reporting.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 10:00 AM UTC

The Trump administration's global campaign against 'radical left terrorism' is legally anchored in National Security Presidential Memorandum-7 (NSPM-7), issued September 2025. This memo marks a major shift in U.S. counterterrorism policy, authorizing preemptive law enforcement measures against Americans based on political or ideological beliefs rather than planned violence. On July 16, 2026, Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted a ministerial with representatives from over 65 countries, informally called the 'Antifa summit,' declaring an 'unprecedented global offensive.' Rubio accused Iran and Cuba of bankrolling left-wing movements without providing evidence. The Justice Department has built counterterrorism task forces, the FBI established an NSPM-7 mission center, and activists have been convicted and sentenced to decades in prison. The memo was not passed by Congress and allows the president to direct agencies with little oversight.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 05:37 PM UTC