Federal Prosecution
Federal prosecution refers to the legal process through which the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) investigates, charges, and prosecutes individuals for offenses that violate federal laws or occur on federal property. This process is primarily conducted by United States Attorneys, who serve as the chief federal law enforcement officers in various judicial districts across the country. Federal prosecution encompasses a broad range of criminal offenses, including serious cases involving drug trafficking, fraud, weapons offenses, immigration violations, and public corruption. In recent months, federal prosecutions have surged, highlighting ongoing issues of jurisdiction and enforcement priorities in the U.S. legal system. Recent reports reveal that federal prosecutions have increased significantly, with categories such as immigration cases dominating the landscape. In 2025, more than half of federal prosecutions were related to immigration issues, alongside notable rises in drug-related offenses and corporate misconduct. This growing volume of cases reflects not only the DOJ’s evolving enforcement priorities but also broader discussions on the balance between federal and state jurisdictions, particularly regarding alleged over-federalization of offenses traditionally managed at the local level. The procedural intricacies of federal court procedure, including adherence to federal sentencing guidelines and the exercise of prosecutorial discretion, are pivotal in navigating these complex legal waters. With ongoing debates about the implications of federal prosecutorial strategy and jurisdiction, understanding federal prosecution remains essential for grasping the interactions between law enforcement and the evolving landscape of American justice.
Why did federal prosecutor Denise Chung resign from the Trump Administration's Justice Department?
Denise Chung resigned after refusing to lie about an investigation and put that lie in writing. She believed the Trump Justice Department was asking her to participate in what she viewed as an illegal seizure of banking records, and she took a principled stand against this unethical request. Chung, a 1995 Harvard Law School graduate, had served as a prosecutor in the Justice Department for 24 years, beginning under Republican President George W. Bush and continuing through subsequent administrations until her resignation. Her departure represents a significant protest against what she perceived as improper political pressure compromising legal ethics.
Watch clip answer (00:35m)
MSNBC
05:59 - 06:35
Why have seven prosecutors resigned from the Justice Department over the Eric Adams case?
Seven prosecutors resigned from the Justice Department because they refused to file a motion to dismiss criminal charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. They believed the dismissal motion was based on a lie, making this an unprecedented situation where multiple prosecutors took such a principled stand. The Acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York sent a resignation letter to the acting deputy attorney general, who was previously one of Donald Trump's criminal defense lawyers. This unusual circumstance has transformed what would typically be a pro forma hearing into a significant judicial challenge, as Federal Judge Dale E. Ho will now consider the controversial dismissal motion knowing about these extraordinary resignations.
Watch clip answer (00:50m)
MSNBC
17:49 - 18:39
What is the significance of Denise Chung's resignation from the U.S. attorney's office?
Andrew Weissmann describes Chung's resignation as extremely serious - not just a warning sign but evidence of a pattern of lawless actions being ordered within the Justice Department. He compares it to 'the coal mine coming,' indicating a severe and immediate crisis rather than just an early warning. This resignation is part of a broader context of constitutional concerns, with Weissmann noting it's connected to legal officials being ordered to take actions that violate their oath to the Constitution. Chung exemplifies those who choose to face consequences rather than compromise their ethical obligations, highlighting a critical moment for the Department of Justice where constitutional principles are being tested.
Watch clip answer (00:29m)
MSNBC
10:32 - 11:01
What is Denise Chung alleging in her resignation from the U.S. Attorney's Office?
Denise Chung is alleging that the Deputy Attorney General pressured her to fabricate a crime or freeze assets based on insufficient evidence. According to the transcript, she claims she was asked to proceed with legal action when she couldn't identify legitimate grounds to do so. This serious allegation raises ethical concerns about the Justice Department's integrity, as highlighted by hundreds of former federal prosecutors who signed a letter warning against politicized prosecutions. Chung's resignation appears to be a principled stand against compromising professional ethics and legal standards in response to political pressure.
Watch clip answer (00:10m)
MSNBC
07:33 - 07:44
What does Denise Chung's resignation indicate about the Trump administration's approach to the Justice Department?
Denise Chung's resignation serves as a significant warning sign about the Trump administration's intentions for the Justice Department. As noted by NBC News Justice Reporter Ryan Reilly, Chung is highly respected within the Department and by many of her colleagues, making her departure particularly concerning. Her resignation, which came after refusing to freeze assets linked to environmental grants due to insufficient evidence, highlights how the administration appears to be using the Justice Department in problematic ways. This case joins hundreds of former federal prosecutors' concerns about political influence undermining ethical standards in the justice system, signaling troubling patterns in how prosecutorial independence is being challenged.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)
MSNBC
03:34 - 03:49
What is the Fourth Amendment's role in Denise Chung's resignation from the U.S. Attorney's Office?
The Fourth Amendment, which protects privacy rights, requires factual predication (probable cause) before any search or seizure can occur. Denise Chung resigned after examining evidence presented by the Deputy Attorney General's office and determining it was insufficient to meet the constitutional threshold for freezing bank assets. Chung's resignation highlights the ethical conflict between political pressure and constitutional requirements. By refusing to proceed without proper probable cause, she upheld Fourth Amendment principles that mandate sufficient evidence before the government can infringe on privacy rights. Her stance emphasizes the constitutional guardrails that should govern prosecutorial actions regardless of political motivations.
Watch clip answer (00:30m)
MSNBC
08:42 - 09:12