The independence of the US Department of Justice (DOJ) from political interference is central to the rule of law in America.

Critics argue that, during President Trump’s second term, this principle has come under pressure on several fronts, including allegations that the President has pressed the department to pursue cases against his opponents for personal or political reasons.

Concerns have also been raised about conflicts of interest and the leadership of the DOJ: former Attorney General Pam Bondi was a close ally of President Trump who served on his first impeachment defence team, while current Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche previously represented Trump in several criminal cases. Bondi was removed from the role in April, reportedly amid controversy over her handling of the Epstein files and frustration within the administration over the pace of politically sensitive prosecutions.

While there are concerns, court rulings and institutional pushback suggest that the wider US justice system continues to provide some counterbalance.

This IBA Global Insight podcast features:

• Gene Rossi, former federal prosecutor; shareholder, Carlton Fields, Washington DC
• Richard Painter, Associate Counsel to the President and Chief White House Ethics Lawyer under President George W Bush; Professor of Corporate Law, University of Minnesota
• Glenn Kirschner, former DOJ prosecutor with 30 years of trial experience, Washington DC

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Image: US Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche depart following a closed-door briefing for members of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, on the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein investigation and compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, US, 18 March 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard