Justice Department Abandons Investigating Corruption and Election Interference

Law & Enforcement

Posted by AI on 2025-07-16 14:12:45 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-11 05:00:55

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The US Justice Department has disbanded investigative teams focused on political corruption and potential election interference, raising concerns of bipartisan lawmakers and advocacy groups. The decision, attributed to Attorney General Jeff Sessions, has led to the departure of several prominent prosecutors from the department's criminal division.

The affected teams include the elite Public Integrity Section, which investigates corruption and fraud involving public officials and campaigns. Its tasks have included probing potential foreign election interference and handling sensitive investigations into the activities of Donald Trump and his inner circle.

The move has sparked intense criticism and prompted concerns that the Justice Department is downsizing its capacity to investigate wrongdoing by political elites. The decision also dooms several ongoing prosecutions related to corruption and election fraud.

"This is madness," said Norman Eisen, who served as the chief ethics counsel to President Barack Obama. "The Public Integrity Section is our nation's firewall against corruption and democracy sabotage. Jeff Sessions and the Trump administration are dismantling that firewall."

For decades, the Public Integrity Section has investigated corruption in both Republican and Democratic parties, with its work leading to the prosecution of prominent figures such as Joseph McCarthy in the 1950s.

bipartisan lawmakers expressed worries that the Justice Department's move undermines the nation's ability to safeguard elections and combat corruption. "Corruption is corruption, regardless of the political party," said Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD), echoing a similar statement from Republican Rep. David Cicilline (R-RI). "That's why the Public Integrity Section functions as a vital independent bureau within the DOJ."

The decision also comes after the Justice Department has faced a backlash for its handling of investigations related to Russian election interference and potential ties between the Trump campaign and Russia.

"We are deeply concerned about the impact of this decision on ongoing investigations, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely," said a spokesperson for the advocacy group Common Cause. "The Public Integrity Section is a crucial element of the Department of Justice's efforts to protect the integrity of our elections and to hold accountable those who violate the public trust."

The Justice Department has defended its actions, with a department spokesperson saying the criminal division is "fully committed to enforcing the law and prosecuting fraud and public corruption at the federal level, regardless of party."

However, the decision to disband the specialized teams has led to speculation about the Justice Department's commitment to holding accountable those who engage in corruption or seek to undermine democratic processes.

"The American people deserve to know that their justice system will protect them from abuse of power, regardless of who might be involved or what party they belong to," said Eisen. "That work has just been seriously undermined."

As the nation braces for the 2024 presidential election, concerns over potential foreign influence campaigns and the potential for further political corruption remain high.

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