Justice Department

The Department of Justice has filed its response to a lawsuit challenging the White House's ban on certain media outlets from press access events. A legal expert has analyzed the government's arguments, weighing claims about press freedom and presidential discretion over who may access the president. The case is drawing attention as a test of First Amendment protections for journalists covering the administration.

A federal judge has ordered the Justice Department to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein, warning Attorney General Pam Bondi that contempt charges could follow if the department continues to withhold them. The order describes contempt as 'premature' for now, but signals the court is losing patience with the DOJ's stalling on the disclosures.

Reports say the US Department of Justice is internally divided as its antitrust case against Apple moves toward 2026, with the company holding an edge in the dispute over its roughly 27% App Store commission structure. A split within the DOJ could weaken the government's position and shape how Apple's App Store fees are regulated going forward.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the Trump administration is eliminating a $1.8 billion fund described as the 'Anti-Weaponization Fund'. The fund had been tied to Justice Department efforts to prevent the politicization of federal law enforcement. The cancellation signals a broader restructuring of Justice Department priorities under the administration, and the move is drawing attention to how the department will handle weaponization concerns going forward.

The Department of Justice has ordered Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore to preserve 2024 election records that contain private voter information. The directive ensures documents with personal voter data are retained, likely amid ongoing scrutiny or potential legal proceedings related to the 2024 election. The order places a legal obligation on the state's top election official to safeguard the records.

Todd Blanche, the US Deputy Attorney General, publicly defended policies touching artificial intelligence and hospital deals, prompting debate about the Justice Department's approach to antitrust enforcement in healthcare and technology. Critics question whether the department is going soft on consolidation in hospitals and AI industry concentration, while supporters argue the stance reflects a pro-innovation agenda.

The Justice Department has filed an appeal against a court ruling concerning the Kennedy Center, acting ahead of a deadline to remove President Trump's name from the institution. The case centers on the legal fight over the venue's naming, with the impending deadline adding urgency to the government's move. Details of the lower court's decision were not immediately available.

Federal prosecutors in Texas have charged a man with fraud, alleging he diverted stolen funds into an extravagant lifestyle that included hosting parties and purchasing a gold-plated Tesla Cybertruck, according to the Department of Justice. The unusual purchases have drawn attention as an example of how fraud proceeds are spent in striking ways.