Talking Feds Trump's Reign of Terror in the Civil Rights Division
Feb 5, 2026
Bill Yeomans, a 24-year DOJ Civil Rights Division veteran who led and litigated major police-misconduct matters, recounts how leadership shifts stalled investigations. He describes halted probes, mass resignations, and a redirected mission away from traditional civil-rights enforcement. Short takes cover how federal obstruction and staffing losses reshape investigations and the prospects for state prosecutions.
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Criminal Section's Outsized Influence
- The Civil Rights Division's criminal section is small but powerful through partnerships with U.S. attorneys and the FBI.
- It usually opens prompt federal investigations into high-profile police shootings to provide an authoritative, calming presence.
Investigations Calm Communities
- A prompt federal investigation into controversial police shootings provides credibility and can calm communities in crisis.
- Public announcements of investigations and closures have been an essential tool for building trust in DOJ processes.
DOJ Prejudged The Renee Good Case
- In the Renee Good case the department preemptively announced it would not investigate, prejudging the outcome and undermining credibility.
- Yeomans says that announcement likely destroyed the DOJ's ability to conduct a meaningful federal inquiry.