‘Chilling and harmful to democracy’ Fmr. Asst. District Attorney on politicization in Trump’s DOJ

Political Interference in Justice System - The Justice Department (DOJ) is perceived to be influenced by political interference, deviating from the established protocol of independence from the White House [2][3] - The DOJ is allegedly opening investigations into perceived political enemies of a leading political figure [3][6] - Experienced career officials are purportedly being purged for not pledging loyalty to the leader over law and order [3] - There are concerns about potential cover-ups between the DOJ and the White House regarding ties to controversial figures [3] Erosion of Democratic Norms - The actions are described as a slide towards autocracy, with explicit political prisoners potentially emerging [3][5] - The leader's list of perceived enemies is public, unlike past instances, and the DOJ is allegedly acting on it [8] - Ethical violations by lawyers associated with the leader are becoming a critical safeguard for democracy [12][13] - Truth is being challenged, with the leader's word becoming the only accepted truth, undermining the basis of democracy [16] Consolidation of Power - The leader is appointing cabinet-level officials to multiple roles, consolidating power within the executive branch [18][19][20] - Loyalty is prioritized over competence, mirroring a mafia-like structure in the government [20][21] Misuse of Prosecutorial Power - The head of the DOJ's weaponization group admits to naming and shaming individuals even if they cannot be charged, which is considered a misuse of prosecutorial power [22][23][24]