Trump's Pressure Campaign Raises DOJ Concerns Amid Political Targeting

President Donald Trump has intensified efforts to use the Department of Justice (DOJ) to target his political opponents, prompting concern within the DOJ about the independence and integrity of legal proceedings. The recent removal of U.S. Attorney Eric Siebert from the Eastern District of Virginia, reportedly due to his refusal to prosecute New York Attorney General Letitia James, has alarmed DOJ lawyers who fear cases may be pursued for political reasons rather than solid legal grounds. Lindsey Halligan, a former Trump defense attorney, has been appointed as the new U.S. Attorney for the district by Attorney General Pam Bondi, a Trump ally, signaling a possible shift towards fulfilling the president's political agenda within the DOJ. Trump publicly pressured Bondi to prosecute individuals including Letitia James, Senator Adam Schiff, and former FBI Director James Comey, further escalating tensions. Critics argue that these moves threaten the DOJ's credibility and could undermine public trust by turning the department into a political weapon. The situation reflects a broader rollback of reforms designed to ensure the DOJ's independence, raising fears about the increasing politicization of federal law enforcement.