Inside Trump’s DOJ Speech: Scum,’ ‘Corrupt Media,’ and ‘Crooked Elections’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump delivered a fiery speech inside the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday, attacking his political enemies, the media, and past legal investigations against him. In an unprecedented address, he called opposing lawyers ‘scum,’ labeled CNN and MSNBC ‘illegal,’ and falsely claimed the 2020 election was stolen. His remarks signaled a shift in DOJ leadership, with Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel in attendance. Trump’s rhetoric suggests a further politicization of federal law enforcement under his administration.
Trump DOJ Speech Quick Looks:
- Enemies List: Trump called legal opponents “scum” and suggested they should be prosecuted.
- Attack on Media: He claimed CNN and MSNBC are “illegal”, suggesting news outlets critical of him should be punished.
- Election Conspiracies: Trump repeated false claims that the 2020 election was rigged and said those responsible “should go to jail”.
- FBI Overhaul: He boasted about firing former FBI Director James Comey and pardoning Jan. 6 rioters, calling them “political prisoners.”
- Judicial Pressure: Trump accused judges of caving to threats, despite evidence that judges and their families are facing harassment from his supporters.
Inside Trump’s DOJ Speech: Scum,’ ‘Corrupt Media,’ and ‘Crooked Elections’
Deep Look:
Trump’s DOJ Speech Signals a Power Grab
President Donald Trump used the Department of Justice as a stage on Friday to deliver a speech that sounded more like a campaign rally than an official address. His attacks on legal institutions, the media, and political opponents reinforced concerns that his administration is actively reshaping federal law enforcement for political purposes.
Trump’s ‘Enemies’ at the DOJ
Trump named legal figures he believes have wronged him, including:
- Andrew Weissmann, a prosecutor involved in the Russia investigation.
- Jack Smith, the special counsel who charged Trump for attempting to overturn the 2020 election.
- Norm Eisen, a lawyer who helped bring legal challenges against Trump.
Trump gave no legal basis for why these figures should be prosecuted, but by mentioning them inside the DOJ, he implied they should be investigated.
Trump Calls Media ‘Illegal’
One of the most extraordinary moments of the speech came when Trump declared:
“CNN and MSDNC [MSNBC] are political arms of the Democrat Party. And in my opinion, they are really corrupt and they are illegal.”
This statement raised alarm bells about press freedom, as it suggests Trump may use the DOJ to target journalists.
Falsely Claiming 2020 Election Was ‘Rigged’
Trump repeated debunked claims that he won the 2020 election, stating:
“The people who did this to us should go to jail.”
There is no evidence of widespread fraud in the 2020 election, as confirmed by:
- Dozens of court rulings, including from Trump-appointed judges.
- The DOJ under former Attorney General Bill Barr.
- Multiple recounts and audits in key states.
Still, Trump’s call for jailing his political opponents inside the DOJ raises serious concerns about using law enforcement for political revenge.
FBI Shake-Up: Comey Firing, Jan. 6 Pardons
Trump bragged about firing former FBI Director James Comey, calling it:
“A great honor for me.”
He also defended pardoning Jan. 6 rioters, calling them “political prisoners” and accusing the FBI of wrongfully targeting Trump supporters.
Newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel—a Trump loyalist—was present, reinforcing the department’s shift under Trump’s leadership.
Judges Under Attack
Trump suggested that judges are ruling against him due to pressure, stating:
“They wanted to scare the hell out of the judges… What do you do to get rid of it? You convict Trump.”
However, judges involved in Trump’s legal cases have received death threats and harassment—mostly from his own supporters.
What’s Next?
- DOJ Policy Shifts: Trump’s remarks suggest increased politicization of the Justice Department.
- Media and Legal Challenges: Trump may push further against journalists and prosecutors who investigate him.
- Election Security Concerns: Trump’s continued false claims about 2020 could undermine faith in future elections.
Trump’s DOJ speech set a dangerous precedent, signaling that his administration is willing to blur the lines between law enforcement and political retaliation.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.