Large Trump banner hung at justice department headquarters

"A large banner featuring Donald Trump's face was hung on the exterior of justice department headquarters on Thursday in a physical display of the president's efforts to exert power over the law enforcement agency that once investigated him. While Trump banners have been hung outside other agencies across Washington, the decision to place one on the storied justice department building amounted to a striking symbol of the erosion of the department's tradition of independence from White House control."

"The Trump administration has opened investigations into a number of the president's perceived enemies, amplifying concerns that the agency is being used to exact revenge on his political foes. Federal prosecutors brought charges against New York attorney general Letitia James and former FBI director James Comey that were later dismissed, and separately sought to indict several Democratic lawmakers in connection with a video in which they urged US military members to resist illegal orders."

"The banner, hung between two columns on one corner of the building, says Make America Safe Again a slogan used by the administration to tout its efforts to clamp down on illegal immigration and violent crime. Pam Bondi, the attorney general, has postured herself as the president's chief supporter and protector, eschewing the approach of predecessors who sought to maintain an arms-length distance from the White House to protect the impartiality of investigations and prosecutions."

A large banner bearing Donald Trump's face was displayed on the exterior of Justice Department headquarters, signaling an assertion of presidential influence over the agency. The banner reads Make America Safe Again and invokes the administration's emphasis on curbing illegal immigration and violent crime. Attorney General Pam Bondi has aligned closely with the president, abandoning the traditional arms-length posture meant to protect prosecutorial impartiality. The department defended the banner as a celebration of 250 years and its work. The administration has opened investigations into perceived opponents and pursued charges that were later dismissed, raising concerns about politicized law enforcement.

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