As an investigative reporter delving into the corridors of power, I've scrutinized a lengthy thread posted on January 1, 2026, by the official U.S. Department of Justice account (@TheJusticeDept) on X (formerly Twitter).
The post, authored under the Trump administration's second term, paints a triumphant picture of the DOJ's first year back in Republican hands. It accuses the prior Biden administration of weaponizing justice against conservatives, parents, pro-lifers, Christians, and especially Donald Trump himself. Claiming to have inherited a "justice system in chaos" with emboldened criminals and politicized law enforcement, the thread touts 10 major "wins" aimed at restoring integrity, accountability, and equal justice. This narrative aligns with Trump's "America First" agenda but raises questions about selective enforcement, potential overreach, and the veracity of statistics in a polarized political landscape.
The thread opens with a scathing critique: "Instead of keeping Americans safe, the Biden DOJ weaponized its power against political opponents." It positions Trump as a reformer who tasked the DOJ with turnaround efforts. Posted at 1:11 AM GMT New Year’s day, the main post garnered over 3,900 likes and 310,000 views within hours, sparking heated replies ranging from praise to accusations of propaganda.
Diving into the claimed victories:
Exposing 'Operation Arctic Frost': The DOJ alleges this was a Biden-era abuse targeting Trump, Republican senators, and groups like Turning Point USA led by Charlie Kirk. They vow accountability, emphasizing "no one is above the law." As a reporter, I'd note this echoes unsubstantiated claims of deep-state plots; investigations into such operations could reveal more about inter-administration tensions.
Rescinding School Board Memo: On February 5, 2025, they nullified former AG Merrick Garland's directive labeling concerned parents as potential domestic terrorists. This defends parental rights in education debates, a hot-button issue amid culture wars over curriculum and transgender policies.
Record-Low Crime Nationwide: Citing data from 89 major cities, murders dropped nearly 20%, violent crime 12%, and robberies 20%. While impressive, independent verification from sources like the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting would be crucial, as local factors like policing strategies or economic shifts might contribute.
Law Enforcement Surges in DC and Memphis: Under "Making DC Safe and Beautiful Again," violent crime in Washington fell 28%, with 8,152 arrests, 800 firearms seized, and 16 missing children recovered. Memphis saw a 20% drop, with 4,640 arrests, 733 guns, and 132 children located. These operations highlight Trump's tough-on-crime stance but invite scrutiny over civil liberties and disproportionate impacts on communities of color.
Record Drug Seizures: The DEA reportedly seized 45 million fentanyl pills, 4,200 kg of fentanyl powder (enough for four pickup trucks), 64,000 kg methamphetamine, 200,000 kg cocaine, and 1,100 kg heroin. This underscores the opioid crisis but questions remain about border policies' effectiveness versus domestic production.
Defending Second Amendment Rights: Lawsuits against DC's AR-15 ban and Hawaii's concealed carry restrictions aim to protect gun owners. This aligns with conservative jurisprudence post-Bruen decision, potentially escalating gun control battles.
Supreme Court Successes: A 92% win rate on 24 emergency docket rulings, covering immigration, injunctions, DEI funding, federal workforce streamlining, and executive power. This suggests a judiciary shift, possibly influenced by Trump-appointed justices.
Offense Against 'Radical Left' Policies: Actions include suing California's Prop 50, securing $406 million from universities to end race-based admissions and anti-Semitism, blocking boys in girls' sports, probing companies for favoring foreign workers, and suing 15 states for voter-roll access. An 800% increase in election fraud prosecutions is highlighted. Despite 500+ lawsuits against them, the DOJ claims relentless progress—though critics might see this as partisan retaliation.
Blows Against Cartels and Terror Groups: Designating cartels like Tren de Aragua, Sinaloa, and MS-13 as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, with charges filed. Antifa labeled domestic terrorists, facing terrorism charges. This escalates designations, potentially expanding surveillance powers.
Minnesota Somali Fraud: Charging 98 defendants (85 Somali descent) in Medicaid fraud, with 64 convictions. Referencing reporter Nick Shirley's work, it targets fraud in Tim Walz's state, implying broader corruption.
In 2025, the DOJ refocused on rule of law and safety; 2026 promises more arrests and victories. As an investigator, this post reads like a victory lap, but it demands fact-checking. Are crime drops DOJ-driven or broader trends? Do designations risk civil rights abuses? The emphasis on political foes suggests a DOJ realigned for vendettas, not neutrality. With Trump's history of DOJ interference allegations, this could signal a new era of executive influence—or accountability long overdue, depending on perspective. Monitoring forthcoming cases will be key to separating rhetoric from reality.
