Top Democrats Slam 'Corrupt' Justice Department

Lawmakers say the U.S. Department of Justice cannot be trusted on major issues.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 5:31am

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Leading Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Robert Garcia of Long Beach, California, have issued a scathing rebuke of the U.S. Department of Justice, declaring that the agency is 'corrupt' and untrustworthy on key national issues.

Why it matters

This strong criticism from prominent Democrats represents a significant breakdown in trust between the party and the DOJ, which is typically viewed as an independent, non-partisan law enforcement agency. The comments highlight growing political polarization and the challenges the DOJ faces in maintaining credibility across the aisle.

The details

In his remarks, Rep. Garcia, the ranking member on the House committee overseeing the DOJ, stated bluntly: 'Let's be really clear: We can't trust anything the DOJ does. The DOJ is corrupt. They're corrupt on every major issue in front of this country.' The comments reflect a broader sentiment among some Democrats that the DOJ has become overly politicized and aligned with the opposing party's interests.

  • The comments were made on January 31, 2026.

The players

Rep. Robert Garcia

A Democratic congressman from Long Beach, California, and the ranking member on the House committee overseeing the U.S. Department of Justice.

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What they’re saying

“Let's be really clear: We can't trust anything the DOJ does. The DOJ is corrupt. They're corrupt on every major issue in front of this country.”

— Rep. Robert Garcia, Ranking Member, House Committee Overseeing the DOJ (The Los Angeles Times)

The takeaway

This scathing criticism from prominent Democrats underscores the deep partisan divide and lack of trust in the U.S. Department of Justice, raising concerns about the agency's ability to maintain its independence and credibility across the political spectrum.