Bulwark Takes

A Jury Said No. Mike Johnson Said “Probably.”

Feb 11, 2026
They unpack the DOJ’s failed attempt to indict six lawmakers and what grand juries’ refusals reveal about checks on power. They debate how prosecuting political opponents stretches legal limits and erodes institutions. They discuss staffing crises at the Justice Department and rising political rhetoric attacking juries and democratic norms.
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INSIGHT

Grand Juries As A Bulwark

  • Grand juries acted as a robust check against politicized prosecutions in this case.
  • Andrew Egger and JVL highlight juries' resilience where other institutions folded.
INSIGHT

Legal Tools Stretched To Breaking

  • The DOJ's attempted indictments reveal how Trump will push legal tools to their limits.
  • JVL warns many statutes assume honorable use, which this administration often rejects.
INSIGHT

Resignations Erode DOJ Competence

  • Mass DOJ departures are hollowing institutional competence and morale.
  • JVL warns replacements may be unqualified loyalists, degrading rule-of-law enforcement.
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