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In new lawsuit, Justice Department challenges efforts to sanction Trump administration lawyers

In new lawsuit, Justice Department challenges efforts to sanction Trump administration lawyers

The Justice Department is challenging efforts to sanction attorneys from the first and second Trump administrations, asserting in a lawsuit that the District of Columbia Bar is unfairly playing politics with the legal disciplinary process
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DOJ Under Todd Blanche Targets Reporters in National Security Leak Cases

DOJ Under Todd Blanche Targets Reporters in National Security Leak Cases

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will be issuing subpoenas to reporters involved in national security leak cases. This move follows pressure from President Trump, who has expressed concerns about media leaks, particularly following the Iran war. Blanche's actions have raised alarms about the DOJ's approach to press freedom, as subpoenas have already been issued to the Wall Street Journal for its reporting on the Iran conflict. The DOJ's actions are seen as part of a broader pattern of aligning law enforcement activities with the president's preferences, raising questions about the independence of the DOJ.
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Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick Downplays Epstein Ties in Congressional Testimony

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick Downplays Epstein Ties in Congressional Testimony

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick testified before the House Oversight Committee, downplaying his interactions with Jeffrey Epstein. Lutnick described his encounters with Epstein as 'virtually nonexistent' and 'inconsequential,' despite records showing meetings in 2005, 2011, and a 2012 lunch on Epstein's island. Lutnick emphasized that he had no personal or professional relationship with Epstein, despite their proximity as neighbors in Manhattan. The testimony was part of a broader investigation into Epstein's activities and the Justice Department's handling of allegations against him. Lutnick's appearance is notable as he is the highest-ranking Trump administration official named in the Epstein files, aside from President Trump himself.
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Acting AG Todd Blanche Faces Ethical Dilemma Over Trump-Related Recusals

Acting AG Todd Blanche Faces Ethical Dilemma Over Trump-Related Recusals

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is embroiled in an ethical quandary due to his previous role as President Trump's defense lawyer in criminal prosecutions. Blanche was advised by the Justice Department's top ethics lawyer to recuse himself from cases involving Trump, a directive that came shortly after he assumed the role of Deputy Attorney General in March 2025. This recusal is necessary to avoid conflicts of interest, as Blanche's past representation of Trump could compromise the integrity of ongoing investigations. Despite signing an ethics pledge, Blanche's involvement in Trump-related cases remains a contentious issue, especially as he oversees investigations into former government officials accused of targeting Trump through the justice system. The situation is further complicated by Blanche's appointment of Joe diGenova to lead a conspiracy investigation against Trump, raising concerns about impartiality and adherence to ethical standards.
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Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Demand for Transgender Patient Records in Rhode Island

Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Demand for Transgender Patient Records in Rhode Island

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's request for confidential transgender patient records from Rhode Island's largest hospital, which provides gender-affirming care to minors. This decision by U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy marks a significant setback for the U.S. Department of Justice, which has faced similar rulings from at least seven other federal courts. The subpoenas demanded personal information such as birthdates, social security numbers, and addresses of patients who received gender-affirming care. The Justice Department argued that the information was necessary to investigate potential fraud or unlawful drug promotion. However, the judge questioned the administration's motives, noting its public stance against gender-affirming care for minors.
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PayPal Settles DOJ Probe by Waiving $30M in Fees for Small Businesses

PayPal Settles DOJ Probe by Waiving $30M in Fees for Small Businesses

PayPal Settles DOJ Probe by Waiving $30M in Fees for Small Businesses
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Judge blocks Trump administration’s demand for Rhode Island hospital's records of transgender kids

Judge blocks Trump administration’s demand for Rhode Island hospital's records of transgender kids

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's demands for confidential transgender patient information from Rhode Island's largest hospital
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Judge Halts Trump Administration's Effort to Obtain Transgender Patient Records in Rhode Island

Judge Halts Trump Administration's Effort to Obtain Transgender Patient Records in Rhode Island

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's attempt to acquire confidential transgender patient records from Rhode Island's largest hospital, which offers gender-affirming care to minors. U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy's ruling is the latest in a series of legal setbacks for the Department of Justice, which has faced similar decisions from other federal courts. The subpoenas sought detailed personal information of patients, including birthdates and social security numbers. The Justice Department claimed the data was needed to investigate potential drug misbranding and fraud. However, the judge criticized the administration's approach, highlighting its public opposition to gender-affirming care for minors.
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Exclusive-FBI questions CIA officers over Russia assessment in Brennan probe, sources say

Exclusive-FBI questions CIA officers over Russia assessment in Brennan probe, sources say

By Erin Banco, Andrew Goudsward and Jonathan Landay NEW YORK, May 12 (Reuters) - The FBI has begun interviewing current and former CIA employees as part of the Department of Justice’s investigation into ex-CIA director John Brennan over his role in an intelligence finding that Russia interfered in
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PayPal to waive $30 million in fees to settle DOJ probe of minority business program

PayPal to waive $30 million in fees to settle DOJ probe of minority business program

WASHINGTON, May 12 (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Justice said on Tuesday it had reached a settlement with PayPal to resolve an investigation into a 2020 investment program that the department described as giving "unlawful" preferences to Black and minority-owned businesses.
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DOJ Targets Reporters in National Security Leak Investigations Under Todd Blanche

DOJ Targets Reporters in National Security Leak Investigations Under Todd Blanche

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will be issuing subpoenas to reporters involved in national security stories, following pressure from President Trump. This move is part of a broader effort to address leaks of classified information, which the administration views as threats to national security. The Wall Street Journal reported receiving subpoenas related to its coverage of the Iran war, highlighting the administration's aggressive stance on media leaks. This approach marks a significant shift in DOJ policy, traditionally using subpoenas as a last resort.
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Court of International Trade Allows Trump Administration to Continue Collecting Section 122 Tariffs Amid Legal Challenges

Court of International Trade Allows Trump Administration to Continue Collecting Section 122 Tariffs Amid Legal Challenges

Court of International Trade Allows Trump Administration to Continue Collecting Section 122 Tariffs Amid Legal Challenges