In this opinion article, former U.S.Labor Secretary Robert Reich argues that the Justice Department under President Donald Trump has dangerously escalated its alleged use of federal power for personal retaliation.Reich focuses on the reported criminal investigation into writer E.Jean Carroll, who successfully sued Trump in civil court for sexual abuse and defamation.Carroll won two major jury verdicts against Trump, including a $5 million judgment in 2023 and an $83.3 million defamation award after Trump repeatedly attacked her publicly following the first verdict.

Reich recounts how appellate courts upheld both rulings and notes that Trump continues attempting to overturn them through appeals to the Supreme Court.The new investigation reportedly centers on whether Carroll committed perjury regarding outside financial support for her legal expenses.

Reich argues that this issue had already been reviewed and dismissed during Trump’s appeal process, with the appellate court concluding that Carroll likely forgot about limited third-party funding and was not personally involved in securing it.The article strongly criticizes Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s attorney in the Carroll appeals.Reich suggests that Blanche’s prior involvement creates an appearance of political conflict despite his reported recusal from the investigation.

Reich frames the case as part of a broader pattern of retaliation against Trump critics and compares the situation to abuses of the Justice Department during the Nixon administration.

Drawing on his own experience working at the Justice Department after Watergate, Reich argues that future administrations will need to restore institutional independence and public trust in the rule of law.