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.
What is the Trump administration's stance on Mayor Eric Adams and immigration policies in New York City?
White House Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt commends Mayor Eric Adams for being 'incredibly courageous' in speaking out against his own party regarding the impact of illegal immigration on New York City. She highlights how Adams was ignored by the previous administration but is being heard by the current one, as President Trump's administration is committed to ending what she calls the 'border invasion.' Levitt emphasizes that under Trump, New York will only be a sanctuary for law-abiding citizens and that the administration will work with anyone, regardless of party, to prioritize the interests of taxpaying Americans and reverse policies that had negative impacts on the city's education, transportation, and resources.
Watch clip answer (01:35m)
Fox News
09:06 - 10:42
What charges has former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro faced in relation to the 2022 election?
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been formally charged with attempting a coup following the 2022 election. He, along with 33 others, faces five specific charges related to an alleged plot to prevent President Doula da Silva from taking office after his electoral victory. This significant legal development marks a turning point in Brazil's political landscape, formally accusing the former president of attempting to subvert the democratic transfer of power. The charges represent the culmination of investigations into actions taken to challenge the legitimate election results in Brazil.
Watch clip answer (00:16m)
WION
01:37 - 01:53
What issues emerged with the interim U.S. attorney's leadership approach?
The interim U.S. attorney appears to have engaged in two concerning behaviors. First, they attempted to leverage another professional's credibility by issuing a letter under their name, essentially piggybacking off that person's reputation to gain authority or acceptance for their communication. Second, they tried to remove individuals perceived as disloyal from within the organization, suggesting a prioritization of personal loyalty over professional merit or integrity. These actions point to problematic leadership dynamics where credibility manipulation and loyalty tests were being used as management tactics within the Department of Justice.
Watch clip answer (00:14m)
MSNBC
07:25 - 07:40
Are we facing a crisis in the Department of Justice that reaches Nixonian levels or worse?
Based on the clip, the DOJ appears to be experiencing a significant crisis of integrity with alarming parallels to the Nixon era. Career prosecutors like Brendan Ballard are resigning in protest, particularly over blanket pardons related to the January 6th cases. Ballard, who personally worked on these cases, felt strongly enough about the situation to publicly document his concerns in the New York Times. These resignations signal deep concerns about political interference in the justice system and the erosion of rule of law standards. The pattern suggests a troubling breakdown of institutional norms that potentially exceeds even the Watergate-era challenges to DOJ independence.
Watch clip answer (00:17m)MSNBC
05:28 - 05:46
What is causing the crisis at the Department of Justice (DOJ)?
The DOJ is experiencing a crisis marked by a wave of resignations from career prosecutors who have served under multiple administrations of both parties. These long-standing prosecutors claim they've been pushed too far by political demands. The latest example includes a D.C. federal prosecutor who led the criminal division resigning in protest. This crisis, while seemingly distant from everyday concerns, ultimately affects Americans' lives through its impact on justice and accountability within the legal system.
Watch clip answer (01:02m)
MSNBC
00:00 - 01:02
How were Social Security fraud cases successfully prosecuted before the use of special databases?
According to Berit Berger, a former federal prosecutor, Social Security fraud cases were effectively prosecuted across both Democratic and Republican administrations without requiring access to special unauthorized databases. These cases, which included fraudulent benefits claims and payments to deceased individuals, were consistently treated as priorities. Instead of relying on special data access, successful prosecution depended on people with experience and expertise in handling such cases. This approach demonstrates that proper enforcement was possible through professional knowledge and established investigative methods rather than through potentially intrusive access to sensitive personal data.
Watch clip answer (00:33m)
MSNBC
10:05 - 10:39