Trump acts as if DOJ 'is his own personal law firm': Political analyst

Justice Department & Political Norms - The discussion centers on concerns that Donald Trump is potentially misusing the Justice Department, similar to accusations against the Biden administration, and treating it as a personal law firm [2] - The erosion of DOJ and FBI safeguards, which were previously maintained through institutional norms and department policies, is a key concern, as these norms lack the force of law and can be easily overridden [7] - The Trump administration is perceived to have deliberately shattered the post-Watergate norm of Justice Department independence, with Trump asserting his authority as the chief law enforcement officer [13][14] - Many individuals within the Justice Department and FBI are reportedly considering leaving due to the perceived inability to uphold their professional dignity and concerns about the future [10][15][16] Impact of Political Pressure & Fear - There's a sentiment that political pressure from the Trump administration is influencing the Justice Department, despite denials, and that individuals are being selected for their lack of adherence to traditional norms [18][20] - A chilling effect is observed, with individuals expressing fear of retribution for criticizing the Trump administration, leading to self-censorship [25] - While figures like James Comey are prepared to fight potential legal battles, many others lack the resources and feel vulnerable [24][26] Historical Context & Parallels - The discussion draws parallels between current events and the post-Church Committee era, highlighting the importance of preventing abuses of power within the DOJ, CIA, and FBI [1][6] - The Church Committee's reforms, aimed at curbing government surveillance and intelligence gathering abuses, are being tested or violated [1][6] - The lack of bipartisan congressional oversight, similar to the Church Committee's structure, contributes to the erosion of norms and accountability [19] Project 2025 Implications - The discussion references Project 2025, suggesting a broader agenda to align the Justice Department with the president's personal interests and remove individuals who uphold traditional norms [21][22]