Legal AF by MeidasTouch

Trump DOJ Gives Up as They Screw Up Bad

Feb 25, 2026
A breakdown of high-profile prosecutorial missteps and why several high-profile investigations have stalled. Discussion of grand juries declining to indict lawmakers over a viral video urging troops to uphold the Constitution. Analysis of how a problematic appointment and shifting DOJ positions undermined attempts to charge a former FBI director. A look at which political prosecutions moved forward and which fizzled.
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INSIGHT

Grand Juries Reject Politically Motivated Prosecutions

  • Grand juries are repeatedly refusing to indict Trump political critics, signaling a breakdown in DOJ credibility under the Trump administration.
  • Michael Popok cites multiple DC grand juries and public non-indictment announcements, including Letitia James' matter, as evidence of eroding trust.
ADVICE

Avoid Building Cases On Political Appointments

  • Build prosecutorial cases on solid, lawful appointments and evidence to survive judicial scrutiny and grand juries.
  • Popok warns DOJ hollowed out by partisan hires leads magistrate judges, jurors, and grand jurors to disbelieve prosecutions.
INSIGHT

Rare 18 U.S.C. 2387 Used Against Lawmakers Fails

  • Six members of Congress were investigated under 18 U.S.C. 2387 for urging military to refuse illegal orders, but a DC grand jury declined to indict.
  • Popok points to the statute's rarity and the defendants' First Amendment and constitutional duty context.
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