U.S. Justice Department watchdogs shrink as misconduct complaints rise

Federal judges have repeatedly criticized the Justice Department under President Donald Trump for a surge in alleged misconduct, including false statements and improper use of the legal system. Internal oversight offices have been severely weakened: about half of the staff at the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and roughly 17% of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) have left during Trump’s second term, leading investigations to fall to a 20‑year low despite soaring complaints.

In a separate case in Chicago, U.S. District Judge April Perry found serious grand‑jury misconduct by federal prosecutors in a Trump‑era immigration crackdown prosecution. The judge said prosecutors vouched for charges, dismissed skeptical jurors and held private discussions, prompting calls for a special prosecutor and a DOJ review of up to 1,000 grand‑jury transcripts. The Justice Department has opposed criminal contempt charges against its own prosecutors.