President Trump Orders End of “Weaponization” of DOJ; Law Enforcement Groups Criticize Pardons
President Trump aimed to change the way federal law enforcement operates, issuing executive orders aimed at law enforcement and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
In an executive order ending the so-called “weaponization” of the federal government, the new president noted that the government must take “appropriate action to correct past misconduct.”
The order blames the Biden Administration, saying that “The prior administration and allies throughout the country engaged in an unprecedented, third-world weaponization of prosecutorial power to upend the democratic process.”
As for what the appropriate action is, the order didn’t say, but it tasked DOJ with reviewing the actions of any agency with criminal or civil enforcement power that acted “contrary” to the order.
Death Penalty Back in Force
A separate order tasked the DOJ to seek the death penalty in applicable cases, after the Biden Administration ordered a moratorium on federal executions.
“It is the policy of the United States to ensure that the laws that authorize capital punishment are respected and faithfully implemented, and to counteract the politicians and judges who subvert the law by obstructing and preventing the execution of capital sentences,” said the order.
January 6 Pardons
President Trump also pardoned those convicted of offenses related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Roughly 1,500 people were pardoned, including onetime Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio and Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes. Over 170 police officers were injured in the attack. One police officer died of natural causes a day after being assaulted by rioters, while four officers later died by suicide.
The pardoning prompted angry reactions from law enforcement groups.
“Respecting the rule of law involves not only adherence to its tenets but also unwavering support for those who dedicate their lives to preserving it. Our nation’s heroes who put their lives on the line every single day deserve better,” wrote the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA).
The Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police sent a memo praising the action of law enforcement, following the pardons and commutations.
In the memo, Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger wrote, “Police willingly put themselves in harm's way to protect our communities. When people attack law enforcement officers, the criminals should be met with consequences, condemnation and accountability.”
Meanwhile, the National Association of Assistant U.S. Attorneys (NAAUSA) went a step further, criticizing the pardon actions of both President Trump and former President Biden, who preemptively pardoned family members and commuted the sentences of hundreds of convicted offenders on his way out of office.
“While NAAUSA recognizes and respects this broad authority, we are concerned it is increasingly becoming abused for political purposes and to usurp the legislative process to affect policy outcomes not enshrined in law,” said NAAUSA President Steve Wasserman.