Justice Connection
@justiceconnection.bsky.social
We're a network of Justice Department alumni mobilizing to protect DOJ’s apolitical workforce and uphold the rule of law.
Pinned
Jack Smith & thousands of other DOJ alumni are calling on all Americans to join us in speaking up for justice.
We'll never stop fighting for those who served our country & for our Constitution & our democracy.
Sign up to join: bit.ly/4ojXpzt
We'll never stop fighting for those who served our country & for our Constitution & our democracy.
Sign up to join: bit.ly/4ojXpzt
Now is the time to speak up for justice. We're grateful to Judge Mark L. Wolf, a DOJ alum, and every public servant standing up fearlessly to defend the rule of law and democracy before it's too late.
“I no longer can bear to be restrained by what judges can say publicly or do outside the courtroom,” Judge Mark L. Wolf writes on his decision to resign from the federal bench. “President Trump is using the law for partisan purposes”: https://theatln.tc/XgppPPfA
November 11, 2025 at 12:23 AM
Now is the time to speak up for justice. We're grateful to Judge Mark L. Wolf, a DOJ alum, and every public servant standing up fearlessly to defend the rule of law and democracy before it's too late.
A powerful tribute by former FBI Special Agent Kayla Staph to Brian Driscoll.
After Driscoll became Acting FBI Director by accident, he protected Bureau employees from illegal firings & harassment due to their work investigating Jan 6 cases.
When he was later fired, he left as a hero.
After Driscoll became Acting FBI Director by accident, he protected Bureau employees from illegal firings & harassment due to their work investigating Jan 6 cases.
When he was later fired, he left as a hero.
A Former FBI Agent’s Thank-You Message to Brian Driscoll
Unknown outside the FBI until mistakenly made Acting FBI Director, Driscoll should be honored for his courage and his example of true strength through self-sacrifice.
justiceconnection.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:43 PM
A powerful tribute by former FBI Special Agent Kayla Staph to Brian Driscoll.
After Driscoll became Acting FBI Director by accident, he protected Bureau employees from illegal firings & harassment due to their work investigating Jan 6 cases.
When he was later fired, he left as a hero.
After Driscoll became Acting FBI Director by accident, he protected Bureau employees from illegal firings & harassment due to their work investigating Jan 6 cases.
When he was later fired, he left as a hero.
The Justice Department is hemorrhaging experienced attorneys and struggling to find replacements. As we told
@washingtonpost.com, around 5,500 people (not all lawyers) have left or been fired by the administration.
@washingtonpost.com, around 5,500 people (not all lawyers) have left or been fired by the administration.
Justice Department struggles as thousands exit — and few are replaced
The Justice Department has lost thousands of experienced attorneys and backfilled a fraction of the open jobs, in part because of a lack of qualified candidates.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:08 PM
The Justice Department is hemorrhaging experienced attorneys and struggling to find replacements. As we told
@washingtonpost.com, around 5,500 people (not all lawyers) have left or been fired by the administration.
@washingtonpost.com, around 5,500 people (not all lawyers) have left or been fired by the administration.
“You don’t represent the president…you represent the cause of justice. And that is a privilege.”
A powerful reminder from former U.S. Attorney Tim Heaphy this week. Read his full remarks from the Assistant U.S. Attorneys Association for D.C. annual gala:
A powerful reminder from former U.S. Attorney Tim Heaphy this week. Read his full remarks from the Assistant U.S. Attorneys Association for D.C. annual gala:
Current Assistant U.S. Attorneys Have the Privilege to Represent the United States
You don't represent a president, an attorney general, or a U.S. Attorney. You represent the cause of justice, and that is a privilege – but also a responsibility.
justiceconnection.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 3:11 PM
“You don’t represent the president…you represent the cause of justice. And that is a privilege.”
A powerful reminder from former U.S. Attorney Tim Heaphy this week. Read his full remarks from the Assistant U.S. Attorneys Association for D.C. annual gala:
A powerful reminder from former U.S. Attorney Tim Heaphy this week. Read his full remarks from the Assistant U.S. Attorneys Association for D.C. annual gala:
Federal judges who block admin actions that exceed its statutory and constitutional authority are exercising their proper role.
The admin can appeal if they think the judge got it wrong. But, political threats of impeachment undermine our entire constitutional system.
The admin can appeal if they think the judge got it wrong. But, political threats of impeachment undermine our entire constitutional system.
At #FedSoc, just-departed Bondi chief of staff and acting DOJ No. 3 Chad Mizelle urges Congress to step up campaign to impeach federal judges who've blocked Trump policies. Mizelle also rejects Roberts' stance that rulings can't be grounds for impeachment. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
November 7, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Federal judges who block admin actions that exceed its statutory and constitutional authority are exercising their proper role.
The admin can appeal if they think the judge got it wrong. But, political threats of impeachment undermine our entire constitutional system.
The admin can appeal if they think the judge got it wrong. But, political threats of impeachment undermine our entire constitutional system.
DOJ faces a major brain drain. As we told @politico.com: “There’s been just a massive exodus of invaluable institutional knowledge & talent.”
It will take all of us to restore & protect the Dept. we served — and we’re grateful to the alumni fighting alongside us from the outside.
It will take all of us to restore & protect the Dept. we served — and we’re grateful to the alumni fighting alongside us from the outside.
November 7, 2025 at 3:29 PM
DOJ faces a major brain drain. As we told @politico.com: “There’s been just a massive exodus of invaluable institutional knowledge & talent.”
It will take all of us to restore & protect the Dept. we served — and we’re grateful to the alumni fighting alongside us from the outside.
It will take all of us to restore & protect the Dept. we served — and we’re grateful to the alumni fighting alongside us from the outside.
"Make no mistake: whistleblowing is not only a moral imperative, it's a legal one too."
Aaron Zelinsky—prosecutor who blew the whistle in Roger Stone case under Trump 1.0—shares in our latest Substack why DOJ employees have a duty to expose wrongdoing, and how to do it safely and legally.
Aaron Zelinsky—prosecutor who blew the whistle in Roger Stone case under Trump 1.0—shares in our latest Substack why DOJ employees have a duty to expose wrongdoing, and how to do it safely and legally.
Why Whistleblowing Is a Legal and Moral Duty
DOJ employees have a legal and moral duty to expose wrongdoing at the Department—even when doing so runs counter to our professional instincts.
justiceconnection.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:06 PM
"Make no mistake: whistleblowing is not only a moral imperative, it's a legal one too."
Aaron Zelinsky—prosecutor who blew the whistle in Roger Stone case under Trump 1.0—shares in our latest Substack why DOJ employees have a duty to expose wrongdoing, and how to do it safely and legally.
Aaron Zelinsky—prosecutor who blew the whistle in Roger Stone case under Trump 1.0—shares in our latest Substack why DOJ employees have a duty to expose wrongdoing, and how to do it safely and legally.
As @nytimes.com reports, prosecutors are feeling “fearful, battered, beleaguered, exhausted” as firings and politicization continue to pummel the office that once led Jan. 6 prosecutions.
Trump’s Retribution Campaign Leaves D.C. Prosecutor’s Office in Crisis
www.nytimes.com
November 3, 2025 at 9:50 PM
As @nytimes.com reports, prosecutors are feeling “fearful, battered, beleaguered, exhausted” as firings and politicization continue to pummel the office that once led Jan. 6 prosecutions.
Today, DOJ responds to Jim Comey's challenge to his indictment as vindictive & selective prosecution.
Fmr DOJ attorney Chase Pritchett shares in our Substack: The judge will ultimately decide but "Lady Justice is fighting back tears" at the admin's "flagrant destruction of the rule of law."
Fmr DOJ attorney Chase Pritchett shares in our Substack: The judge will ultimately decide but "Lady Justice is fighting back tears" at the admin's "flagrant destruction of the rule of law."
Lady Justice Is Fighting Back Tears Witnessing What Is Happening at EDVA
Those suggesting we are dealing with apples-to-apples “lawfare” are wrong. The Trump DOJ is charting a dangerous new course.
open.substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Today, DOJ responds to Jim Comey's challenge to his indictment as vindictive & selective prosecution.
Fmr DOJ attorney Chase Pritchett shares in our Substack: The judge will ultimately decide but "Lady Justice is fighting back tears" at the admin's "flagrant destruction of the rule of law."
Fmr DOJ attorney Chase Pritchett shares in our Substack: The judge will ultimately decide but "Lady Justice is fighting back tears" at the admin's "flagrant destruction of the rule of law."
Kash Patel fired an agent after outlets reported on publicly available data that showed he used the FBI jet to visit his girlfriend.
Agents shouldn't pay the price for leaders who lash out at public criticism.
Agents shouldn't pay the price for leaders who lash out at public criticism.
FBI Ousts Leader as Patel Fumes Over Attention to Agency Jet Use
The FBI forced out a senior official overseeing aviation shortly after Director Kash Patel grew outraged about revelations of his publicly-available jet logs indicating he’d flown to see his musician ...
news.bloomberglaw.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Kash Patel fired an agent after outlets reported on publicly available data that showed he used the FBI jet to visit his girlfriend.
Agents shouldn't pay the price for leaders who lash out at public criticism.
Agents shouldn't pay the price for leaders who lash out at public criticism.
Politicizing FBI is dangerous. The admin is creating an environment where agents are wary of pursuing cases for fear of losing their jobs.
To protect the rule of law, we must allow law enforcement to investigate based on the facts & law, not political favor.
To protect the rule of law, we must allow law enforcement to investigate based on the facts & law, not political favor.
FBI fires special agent who helped oversee Trump investigation, sources say | CNN Politics
The FBI has fired a special agent who previously helped oversee public corruption cases, including an investigation that became part of former special counsel Jack Smith’s probe into President Donald ...
www.cnn.com
October 31, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Politicizing FBI is dangerous. The admin is creating an environment where agents are wary of pursuing cases for fear of losing their jobs.
To protect the rule of law, we must allow law enforcement to investigate based on the facts & law, not political favor.
To protect the rule of law, we must allow law enforcement to investigate based on the facts & law, not political favor.
For 43 yrs, OCDETF has been America's most effective tool against drug cartels—prosecuting El Chapo, dismantling the Sinaloa Cartel, and taking down thousands of criminal enterprises.
Today, it's being recklessly shut down without a real replacement: open.substack.com/pub/justicec...
Today, it's being recklessly shut down without a real replacement: open.substack.com/pub/justicec...
October 31, 2025 at 7:16 PM
For 43 yrs, OCDETF has been America's most effective tool against drug cartels—prosecuting El Chapo, dismantling the Sinaloa Cartel, and taking down thousands of criminal enterprises.
Today, it's being recklessly shut down without a real replacement: open.substack.com/pub/justicec...
Today, it's being recklessly shut down without a real replacement: open.substack.com/pub/justicec...
With multiple roles at DOJ, Ed Martin has the power to punish Trump’s enemies and reward his friends.
As former pardon attorney Liz Oyer told @cnn.com, “Ed Martin is one of the most dangerous people in the Justice Department. He’s not a serious lawyer, but he has serious power.”
As former pardon attorney Liz Oyer told @cnn.com, “Ed Martin is one of the most dangerous people in the Justice Department. He’s not a serious lawyer, but he has serious power.”
The weapon of justice: Ed Martin’s influence at DOJ | CNN Politics
Failing to win Senate approval as US Attorney for Washington, D.C., has made Ed Martin a more formidable force inside the Justice Department.
www.cnn.com
October 31, 2025 at 3:09 PM
With multiple roles at DOJ, Ed Martin has the power to punish Trump’s enemies and reward his friends.
As former pardon attorney Liz Oyer told @cnn.com, “Ed Martin is one of the most dangerous people in the Justice Department. He’s not a serious lawyer, but he has serious power.”
As former pardon attorney Liz Oyer told @cnn.com, “Ed Martin is one of the most dangerous people in the Justice Department. He’s not a serious lawyer, but he has serious power.”
As this @cnn.com headline notes, DOJ weaponization has turned "Orwellian" with leadership's intervention in pardoned Jan 6 rioter's sentencing for bringing guns to Obama's house.
October 30, 2025 at 9:46 PM
As this @cnn.com headline notes, DOJ weaponization has turned "Orwellian" with leadership's intervention in pardoned Jan 6 rioter's sentencing for bringing guns to Obama's house.
The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has never closed during a govt shutdown—until now, despite having funds to stay open.
Another impt read by fmr OVW attorney Marnie Shiels abt how the Admin continues to betray victims of domestic violence & sexual assault: open.substack.com/pub/marniesh...
Another impt read by fmr OVW attorney Marnie Shiels abt how the Admin continues to betray victims of domestic violence & sexual assault: open.substack.com/pub/marniesh...
October 30, 2025 at 8:09 PM
The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has never closed during a govt shutdown—until now, despite having funds to stay open.
Another impt read by fmr OVW attorney Marnie Shiels abt how the Admin continues to betray victims of domestic violence & sexual assault: open.substack.com/pub/marniesh...
Another impt read by fmr OVW attorney Marnie Shiels abt how the Admin continues to betray victims of domestic violence & sexual assault: open.substack.com/pub/marniesh...
This administration is tough on political violence, except when the perpetrator supports President Trump.
DOJ leaders are once again favoring Jan. 6 criminals over the prosecutors who did their jobs:
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/29/u...
DOJ leaders are once again favoring Jan. 6 criminals over the prosecutors who did their jobs:
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/29/u...
October 30, 2025 at 3:25 PM
This administration is tough on political violence, except when the perpetrator supports President Trump.
DOJ leaders are once again favoring Jan. 6 criminals over the prosecutors who did their jobs:
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/29/u...
DOJ leaders are once again favoring Jan. 6 criminals over the prosecutors who did their jobs:
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/29/u...
Tomorrow the last employees of DOJ's OCDETF program—one of America's most effective organizations in combating drug cartels—will be terminated.
Former Deputy Director Thomas Padden warns OCDETF's closure leaves the country more vulnerable to organized crime.
Former Deputy Director Thomas Padden warns OCDETF's closure leaves the country more vulnerable to organized crime.
Say Goodbye to the Nation’s Largest and Most Effective Anti-Crime Task Force
The Administration claims to be serious about stopping drug cartels, but it’s shutting down DOJ's OCDETF program — a critical resource in dismantling organized crime.
open.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Tomorrow the last employees of DOJ's OCDETF program—one of America's most effective organizations in combating drug cartels—will be terminated.
Former Deputy Director Thomas Padden warns OCDETF's closure leaves the country more vulnerable to organized crime.
Former Deputy Director Thomas Padden warns OCDETF's closure leaves the country more vulnerable to organized crime.
We applaud the >100 former senior DOJ leaders for filing this amicus brief opposing vindictive prosecutions--and our partners at the Washington Litigation Group, along with our friend Greg Rosen, for representing them.
Over One Hundred Former Senior DOJ Leaders File Brief Opposing Retaliatory Comey Prosecution | Washington Litigation Group
Washington, D.C., October 27, 2025 – Today, over one hundred former high-ranking Department of Justice officials filed a brief opposing the retaliatory prosecution of James Comey. The signatories inc...
washingtonlitigationgroup.org
October 28, 2025 at 6:06 PM
We applaud the >100 former senior DOJ leaders for filing this amicus brief opposing vindictive prosecutions--and our partners at the Washington Litigation Group, along with our friend Greg Rosen, for representing them.
Another pointless project that pulls FBI agents away from investigating terrorism, trafficking, and white collar cases.
FBI employees ordered to dig for Jimmy Hoffa-related documents, sources say | CNN Politics
The Trump administration has ordered FBI employees to immediately search their workstations and digital media for any records pertaining to the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa as the government shutdown ...
www.cnn.com
October 28, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Another pointless project that pulls FBI agents away from investigating terrorism, trafficking, and white collar cases.
President Trump is demanding DOJ pay him $230M in taxpayer-funded restitution.
Rupa Bhattacharyya, who spent years as the head of a major torts office at DOJ, explains in our Substack why doing nothing is the department's best and only option:
Rupa Bhattacharyya, who spent years as the head of a major torts office at DOJ, explains in our Substack why doing nothing is the department's best and only option:
What the Justice Department Should Do With Trump’s $230 Million Demand: Nothing
Settling President Trump's legal claims outside a court of law should be a nonstarter for the Justice Department.
open.substack.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:53 PM
President Trump is demanding DOJ pay him $230M in taxpayer-funded restitution.
Rupa Bhattacharyya, who spent years as the head of a major torts office at DOJ, explains in our Substack why doing nothing is the department's best and only option:
Rupa Bhattacharyya, who spent years as the head of a major torts office at DOJ, explains in our Substack why doing nothing is the department's best and only option:
Former federal prosecutor Mike Romano questions why DOJ has yet to charge Christopher Moynihan, a pardoned Capitol rioter, for allegedly threatening to kill Rep. Jeffries, which is a federal crime.
Watch full interview:
open.substack.com/pub/justicec...
Watch full interview:
open.substack.com/pub/justicec...
October 27, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Former federal prosecutor Mike Romano questions why DOJ has yet to charge Christopher Moynihan, a pardoned Capitol rioter, for allegedly threatening to kill Rep. Jeffries, which is a federal crime.
Watch full interview:
open.substack.com/pub/justicec...
Watch full interview:
open.substack.com/pub/justicec...
WATCH: In our first Substack live, Justice Connection Executive Director Stacey Young speaks with Mike Romano, a fmr deputy chief of the Jan 6 prosecution team, about the pardoned Capitol rioter charged with threatening to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Former Jan. 6 prosecutor on pardoned rioter’s alleged threat to kill Rep. Hakeem Jeffries
A recording from Justice Connection's first Substack live interview
open.substack.com
October 26, 2025 at 2:22 PM
WATCH: In our first Substack live, Justice Connection Executive Director Stacey Young speaks with Mike Romano, a fmr deputy chief of the Jan 6 prosecution team, about the pardoned Capitol rioter charged with threatening to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
An important read from @newyorker.com on how the immigration courts are being remade into a “rubber stamp” for deportation.
Inside Donald Trump’s Attack on Immigration Courts
Judges describe a campaign of firings and interference which threatens the system’s independence.
www.newyorker.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:02 PM
An important read from @newyorker.com on how the immigration courts are being remade into a “rubber stamp” for deportation.
Investigations rely on analysts and support staff as much as agents. To pay some and not others will only lower morale and slow investigations.
Dissension in the ranks: Some, but not all, federal law enforcement employees are getting paychecks this week | CNN Politics
The Trump administration’s move to issue paychecks this week to some but not all federal law enforcement employees during the government shutdown is sowing division in the ranks and does little to res...
www.cnn.com
October 23, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Investigations rely on analysts and support staff as much as agents. To pay some and not others will only lower morale and slow investigations.
In just the last few weeks, the U.S. Attorney’s Office known for its counterterrorism & espionage cases has lost half its natl security team.
Prosecutors are being pushed out as part of Trump's vendetta against his so-called "political enemies."
Prosecutors are being pushed out as part of Trump's vendetta against his so-called "political enemies."
Trump DOJ Upheaval in Virginia Hobbles National Security Unit
President Donald Trump’s overhaul of the Virginia US attorney’s office prosecuting his foes has driven out the leadership of its national security unit, draining its experience disrupting terrorists a...
news.bloomberglaw.com
October 23, 2025 at 6:54 PM
In just the last few weeks, the U.S. Attorney’s Office known for its counterterrorism & espionage cases has lost half its natl security team.
Prosecutors are being pushed out as part of Trump's vendetta against his so-called "political enemies."
Prosecutors are being pushed out as part of Trump's vendetta against his so-called "political enemies."