What happens when the firewall between the White House and the DOJ comes down?

By Tonya Mosley

Published October 1, 2025 at 12:03 PM EDT

President Trump is pressuring the Department of Justice to pursue his political enemies, like former FBI director James Comey. Legal scholar Barbara McQuade explains how this damages the rule of law.

Related Content

When will the government reopen? Here's how long past shutdowns lasted

Rachel Treisman

Government shutdowns lasting more than a few days were relatively rare — until recently. The 2018-2019 shutdown was the longest in U.S. history, stretching on for five weeks.
What will Congress do after the shutdown? We asked a Republican and a Democrat

Obed Manuel

Most of the federal government is shut down after Congress failed to reach a funding agreement. We asked two House members — a Democrat and Republican — where they think talks go from here
The BET Hip Hop Awards cut the cord as DEI dies

Rodney Carmichael

The show's suspension comes amid broader efforts to curb diversity at the institutional level. The next attempt to canonize the movement must learn lessons from its successes — and its missteps.
Trump's controversial nominee drops bid to head vital data-gathering agency

Scott Horsley

Trump's pick to lead the agency tracking unemployment and inflation has withdrawn after withering criticism from across the political spectrum. The White House says a new nominee will be named soon.
Supreme Court says Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook can stay -- for now

Scott Horsley

The Supreme Court has temporarily blocked President Trump's attempt to fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook, a move that critics say would have compromised the central bank's independence

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.