Trump's DOJ Struggles with Failed Revenge Cases

The Trump administration's attempts to prosecute the president's enemies have largely failed, further eroding the credibility of the Department of Justice.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Trump administration is facing embarrassment as its Department of Justice struggles to secure indictments and convictions against a growing list of the president's political opponents. Most recently, the DOJ attempted to prosecute six sitting members of Congress for a video that contained true statements, but the case was ultimately dismissed. This pattern of failed prosecutions is undermining the prestige of the Justice Department as a core American institution and deepening the toxic cycle of political lawfare in the country.

Why it matters

The Trump administration's abuse of the DOJ to pursue political vendettas against its perceived enemies sets a dangerous precedent that could be used by future administrations, further politicizing the justice system. This erosion of the DOJ's credibility and independence could have long-lasting consequences for the rule of law in the United States.

The details

The Trump DOJ has failed to secure indictments and convictions in dozens of cases, including against six members of Congress, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and individuals accused of assaulting federal officers. Even in cases where charges have been filed, the DOJ has struggled to secure convictions, with many felony charges being dropped or resulting in acquittals on even misdemeanor offenses. The DOJ's efforts have been hampered by the appointment of individuals like Pam Bondi, Jeanine Pirro, and Lindsey Halligan, who appear to be in over their heads.

  • In 2016, federal prosecutors failed to secure an indictment in only 6 out of 155,000 cases.
  • During Trump's second term, the DOJ has failed to secure dozens of indictments against the president's political opponents.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who has directed the Department of Justice to pursue political vendettas against his perceived enemies.

Pam Bondi

A U.S. Attorney General appointed by Trump who has vowed that those charged with assaulting federal officers would suffer 'severe consequences,' but has failed to secure convictions in many of these cases.

Jeanine Pirro

A Trump-appointed individual involved in the DOJ's failed prosecutions.

Lindsey Halligan

A U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C. whose appointment was not even valid, but who was involved in the DOJ's failed prosecutions.

Letitia James

The New York Attorney General who the DOJ has failed to indict twice, with a third successful indictment being tossed for an improper appointment.

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What they’re saying

“It is embarrassing for our Department of Justice to sink resources into such obviously frivolous cases, and this only further contributes to the general sense that President Donald Trump's administration has the wrong priorities.”

— Dace Potas, Opinion columnist (USA TODAY)

“Thankfully, the justice system is standing strong against Trump's agenda”

— Dace Potas, Opinion columnist (USA TODAY)

The takeaway

The Trump administration's abuse of the Department of Justice to pursue political vendettas against its perceived enemies has severely undermined the credibility and independence of this core American institution. This sets a dangerous precedent that could be used by future administrations, further politicizing the justice system and eroding the rule of law in the United States.