Trump Banner Hung Over Justice Department HQ

Former FBI Director Comey criticizes the display as "sickening"

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A large blue banner featuring President Donald Trump's face was hung on the exterior of the Justice Department headquarters in Washington, D.C. on Thursday. The banner, which says "Make America Safe Again," was hung between two columns on one corner of the building. The Justice Department said it is proud to "celebrate 250 years of our great country and our historic work to make America safe again at President Trump's direction." Former FBI Director James Comey, who was investigated and charged by the Justice Department, criticized the display as "sickening."

Why it matters

The hanging of a banner featuring the former president's image on the headquarters of the Justice Department raises concerns about the politicization of the agency and the potential blurring of the line between the executive branch and the traditionally independent Department of Justice.

The details

The blue banner, which measures several feet wide, was hung between two columns on one corner of the Justice Department building in downtown Washington. The banner features a large image of former President Donald Trump's face along with the slogan "Make America Safe Again," a spin on Trump's 2016 campaign promise to "Make America Great Again." The Justice Department said the banner is part of an effort to "celebrate 250 years of our great country and our historic work to make America safe again at President Trump's direction." Former FBI Director James Comey, who was investigated and charged by the Justice Department during the Trump administration, criticized the display as "sickening" in a post on the social media platform Threads.

  • The banner was hung on Thursday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States whose image is featured on the banner hung at the Justice Department headquarters.

James Comey

The former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation who was investigated and charged by the Justice Department during the Trump administration, and who criticized the display of the Trump banner as "sickening."

Justice Department

The federal agency responsible for enforcing the law and administering justice, which hung the banner featuring the former president's image on its headquarters building.

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What they’re saying

“Sickening to see this hung on the Department of Justice.”

— James Comey, Former FBI Director (Threads)

What’s next

The Justice Department has not indicated whether the banner will remain in place or if it plans to hang similar displays at other federal buildings.

The takeaway

The hanging of a banner featuring the former president's image on the headquarters of the Justice Department raises concerns about the potential politicization of the agency and the blurring of the line between the executive branch and the traditionally independent Department of Justice.