Trump’s Vow For Retribution At Justice Department Alarms Ethics Experts

In a campaign-style speech at the Department of Justice on Friday, President Donald Trump outlined his vision for the agency while airing grievances over federal investigations into him. He called for greater accountability, particularly targeting those he believes have wronged him, and voiced his frustrations with the media and political opponents.

Trump emphasized his desire to hold “the wrongs and abuses that have occurred” accountable and stated that Americans are demanding “a far-reaching investigation into the corruption of our system.” He decried what he described as a “corrupt group of hacks and radicals” within the U.S. government, claiming they had “obliterated” trust and goodwill across generations. However, he assured his audience that “those days are over” and “never coming back.” Trump also declared that the Justice Department was embarking on a “proud new chapter in the chronicles of American justice.”

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During the speech, Trump voiced his frustrations over multiple investigations into him, suggesting that the press’ actions should be deemed illegal and investigated. He accused media organizations and the Democratic Party of conspiring against his administration, urging his legal team to “fight back” against their efforts. He even went as far as calling those who oppose him “horrible people” and “scum,” telling his lawyers to remain focused and not allow themselves to be deflected.

Trump painted a picture of Washington as a city that should be “the talk of the world,” but his speech veered off into a variety of topics, including men’s college basketball, inflation, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Israel-Hamas war, and the 2020 election. He concluded by addressing drug cartels, warning them of the consequences, and offering support to families of Americans who have lost loved ones to fentanyl overdoses.

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A frequent critic of the Justice Department, Trump also praised federal judge Aileen Cannon, whom he appointed during his first term. Cannon dismissed the classified documents case against him, a decision that Trump lauded during his address. The president also mentioned firing several Justice Department employees involved in his investigations, claiming that the decision was made because they could not carry out his agenda.

In closing, Trump said, “We’re turning the page on four long years of corruption, weaponization and surrender to violent criminals,” and promised to restore “fair, equal and impartial justice under the constitutional rule of law.”

Critics of Trump were quick to pounce at the speech, calling it “unhinged” and “authoritarian.” 

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Article by Angie Schlager