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A new banner featuring President Donald Trump’s image at the Department of Justice headquarters has ignited fierce criticism from Democrats and legal experts who question the department’s independence and impartiality.
The large display, which includes Trump’s face alongside the slogan “Make America Safe Again,” was installed Thursday on the exterior of the DOJ building in Washington, D.C. Department officials defended the banner as part of a broader White House initiative commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.
“We are proud at this Department of Justice to celebrate 250 years of our great country and our historic work to make America safe again at President Trump’s direction,” a DOJ spokesperson told Fox News Digital when asked about the installation.
The banner quickly drew sharp rebukes from prominent Democrats, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, who called it “beyond parody.” Democratic lawmakers expressed alarm at what they described as the politicization of the Justice Department, an agency traditionally meant to operate with independence from the White House.
Senator Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico stated bluntly that “President Trump is weaponizing the DOJ as his own personal law firm.” This sentiment was echoed by Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey, who emphasized that “The Department of Justice is supposed to work for and represent you, not him.”
Representative Jason Crow of Colorado, who recently faced scrutiny from federal prosecutors after he instructed military members to refuse illegal orders, said: “The grift, groveling, and weaponization of our government is chilling. The Justice Department works for the American people. They shouldn’t be political henchmen for Donald Trump—or any other President.”
Critics drew historical parallels, comparing the banner to authoritarian imagery from regimes in North Korea, Nazi Germany, and Communist China. Larry Pfeiffer, a former intelligence community official, described it as the “Pyongyangification of Washington DC,” while political commentator David Frum suggested the Justice Department had become “a pure creature of presidential whim, retribution, and cover-up.”
The controversy comes amid ongoing tensions about the politicization of the Justice Department. Trump has publicly called for the prosecution of political rivals, raising concerns about the erosion of the department’s traditional independence. Former Republican Congresswoman Barbara Comstock, a vocal Trump critic, questioned if the banner was even real, adding: “Nothing says Justice is Blind like hanging a Dear Leader Banner at DOJ.”
Bill Kristol, a prominent conservative Trump critic, called the banner “shameful” but noted it was “in a way useful” because it makes clear that “we no longer have a ‘Department of Justice.’ We have a Department of Trump.”
This is not the first such display to appear on a federal building as part of the administration’s America250 initiative. The Department of Labor has displayed a similar banner for several months featuring the slogan “American Workers First.”
While Democrats and legal experts expressed outrage, Republican response to the DOJ banner was notably muted. Jason Miller, Trump’s former senior adviser, signaled approval with thumbs-up emojis, while U.S. Pardon Attorney Ed Martin simply commented, “True.”
The banner installation comes during a period of heightened scrutiny of the Justice Department’s actions under the Trump administration, including recent criticism from former judges regarding a top DOJ official’s comments about the courts. Legal experts have expressed growing concern about the department’s independence and its role as an impartial arbiter of justice rather than a political instrument.
The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between traditional institutional norms and the administration’s approach to federal agencies, particularly those involved in the justice system.
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10 Comments
While celebrating America’s history is admirable, placing the president’s image at DOJ HQ blurs the lines between the executive and judicial branches. This could undermine the DOJ’s credibility as an impartial enforcer of the law.
I’m troubled by the DOJ’s decision to feature Trump’s image on an official banner. This move seems to undermine the department’s independence and could erode confidence in its ability to administer justice fairly.
The DOJ banner featuring Trump is a concerning development. Maintaining the DOJ’s non-partisan status is crucial for upholding the integrity of the justice system. I hope this decision is reconsidered.
I agree, the DOJ must avoid any appearance of political bias or influence from the White House.
This seems like a questionable move that could further erode public trust in the DOJ’s independence. Highlighting a sitting president’s image on an official government building is unusual and raises concerns.
I share your skepticism. The DOJ must remain above partisan politics to function effectively.
While the DOJ has the right to celebrate the nation’s history, this banner seems like an inappropriate politicization of the department. The Justice Department should remain independent and above partisan politics.
Displaying the president’s image at DOJ headquarters raises valid questions about the department’s objectivity. The Justice Department must be seen as impartial to effectively enforce the law and maintain public trust.
Interesting to see the DOJ feature Trump’s image, but I can understand the concerns about impartiality. The Justice Department should strive to be seen as independent and non-partisan.
I agree, the DOJ needs to maintain a clear separation from the White House to uphold the rule of law.