Fresh Air The Undoing Of The Department Of Justice
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Nov 4, 2025 
Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists Carol Leonnig and Aaron Davis as they dissect the complexities of the U.S. Justice Department's handling of cases against Donald Trump. They reveal why key investigations faltered, link FBI hesitancy to political fears, and delve into the impact of the January 6 Committee's revelations on DOJ actions. Their insights from the book ‘Injustice’ expose the struggles of maintaining fairness in a politically charged environment, raising questions about accountability and transparency in American justice.
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Investigative Narrowing After January 6
- Early DOJ/FBI leadership resisted broadening probes beyond riot participants to investigate possible coordination with Trump allies.
- That stance set an investigative tone that limited earlier pursuit of potential conspirators like Roger Stone.
Garland's 'Above Politics' Doctrine
- Attorney General Merrick Garland prioritized pristine independence and avoiding any appearance of political action.
- That philosophy made DOJ especially hesitant to pursue lines that directly implicated Trump or his allies.
Leaks Spurred A Quiet DOJ Probe
- Leaks from the House January 6 Committee embarrassed DOJ and prompted renewed interest inside the department.
- Thomas Windham quietly became the lone prosecutor assigned to investigate whether Trump had done anything wrong related to January 6th.
