This Thursday, a large banner featuring President Trump’s image was unveiled at the Department of Justice (DOJ). It has been stirring up debate because of the slogan on it, “Make America Safe Again.” According to The Hill, historically, White House leaders have made a point of maintaining a clear distance from the DOJ. This separation is crucial for demonstrating that the department operates without political influence, and is thus unbiased.
This banner, while perhaps not the first time a president’s image has adorned a federal building, definitely feels like a significant departure from that long-standing tradition at the DOJ. We saw similar banners featuring Trump outside the Department of Labor last year, but the DOJ has always been held to a different standard of neutrality.
Trump has consistently challenged these traditional boundaries, frequently weighing in on federal prosecutions and investigations. This marks a pretty stark change from how past administrations have handled their relationship with the DOJ. In an unprecedented move back in 2025, he even filed two claims against the department, seeking a substantial $230 million in damages.
It is a disturbing declaration of the department’s stance
Last March, Trump took what many considered a victory lap during a speech delivered right at the DOJ headquarters. Trump declared, It caused critics to accuse him of using the department, with the help of Attorney General Pam Bondi, to pursue a campaign of retribution against his political opponents. At the same time, the DOJ has been protecting Trump allies and been harsh towards any criticism against the President.
During that speech, Trump declared, “First, we must be honest about the lies and abuses that have occurred within these walls. Unfortunately in recent years, a corrupt group of hacks and radicals within the ranks of the American government obliterated the trust and goodwill built up over generations. They weaponized the vast powers of our intelligence and law enforcement agencies to try and thwart the will of the American people.”
He didn’t stop there, adding, “They spied on my campaign, launched one hoax and disinformation operation after another, broke the law on a colossal scale, persecuted my family, staff and supporters, raided my home, Mar-a-Lago, and did everything within their power to prevent me from becoming the president of the United States.” He then declared that all who had wronged him would be held accountable.
Following these declarations, Trump specifically ordered Attorney General Bondi to investigate several prominent figures. These included New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat who had previously brought charges against him in his home state, and Senator Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California, who had investigated him as a member of the House select committee on the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack
These actions, coupled with the new banner, really underscore the ongoing shift in the relationship between the White House and the Department of Justice.
Published: Feb 21, 2026 10:02 am