What upheaval at DOJ may mean for rule of law in America

By Carrie Johnson,

Mara Liasson

Published September 26, 2025 at 4:00 PM EDT

The Department of Justice building is seen on July 20 in Washington, D.C.

President Trump campaigned on a promise to use the justice system to seek retribution against his perceived political enemies. Yesterday, the Justice Department indicted former FBI director James Comey on two criminal counts.

The decision to bring a case against Comey is a turning point for the Department of Justice.

NPR senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson and Justice correspondent Carrie Johnson explain how Trump is following through on his campaign promise to punish his enemies. The rapid remaking of the justice system under his guidance is also feeding Trump's efforts to consolidate more power into the executive branch.

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Carrie Johnson

Carrie Johnson is a justice correspondent for the Washington Desk.

See stories by Carrie Johnson

Mara Liasson

Mara Liasson is a national political correspondent for NPR. Her reports can be heard regularly on NPR's award-winning newsmagazine programs Morning Edition and All Things Considered. Liasson provides extensive coverage of politics and policy from Washington, DC — focusing on the White House and Congress — and also reports on political trends beyond the Beltway.

See stories by Mara Liasson

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