15. Trump and the Justice Department
Trump’s statements regarding his relationship with the Justice Department are often controversial. In his interview, he denied any influence over the department or its decisions, particularly concerning the prosecution of figures he had publicly criticized, such as former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. However, evidence suggests that Trump did put public pressure on the Justice Department to pursue investigations against individuals he viewed as adversaries. For instance, in public statements, Trump repeatedly called for the prosecution of Comey, former National Security Adviser John Bolton, and others. There were also reports of Trump’s communications with Attorney General Bill Barr during his presidency, where he sought investigations into his political opponents. These actions raise concerns about the independence of the Justice Department and whether it was being used as a political tool.
Trump’s claims of non-involvement with the Justice Department contradict the documented instances where he publicly pushed for legal action against his critics. This kind of political interference undermines trust in the justice system and raises serious ethical questions.