Stop Trump’s DOJ from Punishing Dissent

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey were just subpoenaed by Donald Trump’s Department of Justice. Two elected leaders are now being pulled into federal investigations after publicly standing up to this administration and defending their communities.

These subpoenas are the latest escalation in a disturbing pattern. Trump’s DOJ has increasingly trained its fire on people who challenge his power — including state and local officials, members of Congress, independent regulators, and figures like Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Congress has both the authority and the obligation to intervene. The House and Senate Judiciary Committees must immediately investigate whether the Department of Justice is abusing its subpoena power. That means launching public oversight hearings, compelling DOJ to produce internal communications and approvals behind these subpoenas, and determining whether political appointees are directing law enforcement for retaliatory ends.

Walz has been blunt about what’s unfolding. “Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system and threatening political opponents is a dangerous, authoritarian tactic,” he said. Walz also noted the glaring imbalance in accountability, pointing out that “the only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her.”

Mayor Frey echoed that concern from the ground in Minneapolis. “This is an obvious attempt to intimidate me for standing up for Minneapolis, our local law enforcement, and our residents against the chaos and danger this Administration has brought to our streets,” he said. “I will not be intimidated.”

Subpoenas carry enormous power. When they are used against governors, mayors, prosecutors, and independent officials who resist a president’s agenda, the chilling effect reaches far beyond the individuals named on the paperwork.

Tell the House and Senate Judiciary Committees: launch immediate hearings, demand DOJ documents, and investigate whether the Department of Justice is being used to retaliate against dissent.