House Speaker Johnson Unveils Three-Pronged Strategy to Combat Weaponization of DOJ Against Trump

House Speaker Mike Johnson outlines a comprehensive plan involving oversight, appropriations, and legislation to address concerns of alleged politicization within the Department of Justice.

Amidst a backdrop of mounting criminal charges against former President Donald Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson has unveiled a multifaceted strategy aimed at curtailing the perceived weaponization of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Johnson's plan, unveiled in a closed-door meeting with House Republicans, rests on three pillars: oversight, appropriations, and legislation. This multifaceted approach is intended to scrutinize DOJ actions, restrict funding for potentially biased investigations, and enact laws to prevent political interference.

According to sources within the meeting, Johnson's strategy has been communicated to Trump, who is facing multiple federal and state charges. The three pillars of the plan are:

**Oversight:** Congressional committees, such as Oversight and Judiciary, will intensify their scrutiny of DOJ operations, investigating alleged politicization and bias.

**Appropriations:** The House will leverage its budgetary authority to allocate funds to investigations focused on DOJ oversight and accountability.

**Legislation:** Legislators will introduce and advance bills aimed at strengthening ethical standards within the DOJ and safeguarding it from political influence.

Johnson has emphasized the urgency of addressing the perceived weaponization of the DOJ, stating, "We're going to do everything we can, everything within our scope of our responsibility in the Congress, to address it appropriately."

The strategy received support from fellow Republicans, including Rep. Ronny Jackson, who noted that Johnson was "in the loop on what the plan for the House is." Rep. Ralph Norman emphasized the need for action beyond mere words, highlighting the importance of legislation and oversight.

The timing of Johnson's plan coincides with ongoing legal battles involving Trump. Special counsel Jack Smith is leading two federal investigations against the former president, while Fulton County, Georgia, is also pursuing criminal charges. Additionally, Trump was convicted on 34 counts in Manhattan criminal court.

Johnson's announcement comes on the same day that Attorney General Merrick Garland testified before the House Judiciary Committee. Garland's testimony focused on various topics, including the Justice Department's investigations and its approach to political matters.

The House GOP's strategy highlights their concerns about the role of the DOJ in politically sensitive investigations. They aim to ensure the department operates impartially and without political bias.

However, the initiative is likely to face opposition from Democrats, who have defended the DOJ's actions and accused Republicans of politicizing the issue. The outcome of Johnson's strategy will depend on the legislative process and the balance of power in Congress following the upcoming midterm elections.