Trump DOJ Undermines Rule of Law While America Marks Law Day

This Law Day, a day meant to honor the cornerstone of democracy—the Rule of Law—is instead a stark reminder of how fragile that principle has become under the Trump administration. While Minneapolis and other cities host events celebrating legal integrity, the Department of Justice is quietly dismantling accountability for some of the most egregious assaults on American democracy.

Just weeks ago, the DOJ dropped all opposition to Steve Bannon’s Supreme Court appeal, effectively erasing his criminal conviction for contempt of Congress without a formal pardon. Bannon, already pardoned once for defrauding donors in the “We Build the Wall” scam, now enjoys a second helping of legal immunity. This move alone signals a disturbing willingness to shield Trump allies from consequences.

But it doesn’t stop there. The DOJ also moved to redact convictions of leaders from the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers—two extremist groups central to the January 6 Capitol riot. These erasures follow the pardons and commutations Trump granted to over 1,500 election-denying insurrectionists, including a dozen from Minnesota. The message is clear: loyalty to Trump trumps the rule of law.

The implications are far-reaching. Many January 6 rioters have filed lawsuits demanding hundreds of millions in damages, claiming government overreach and excessive force. The DOJ, which should be defending taxpayers, appears poised to offer little resistance. By failing to oppose these claims or even show up in court, the department risks default judgments that could cost the government vast sums of money.

This legal abdication doesn’t just threaten the public purse—it undermines justice itself. Instead of holding violent insurrectionists accountable, the administration is paving the way for them to profit from their crimes. Meanwhile, Trump himself is pursuing legal actions seeking reimbursement for his own legal battles tied to the insurrection and other alleged government misconduct.

The Rule of Law is supposed to be blind and impartial. Under this administration, it has become a tool for rewarding cronies and punishing dissent. As Americans gather to celebrate Law Day, they should also recognize the urgent need to defend the principles that keep democracy alive—and call out those who threaten to destroy it.