The Justice Department has created a nearly $1.8 billion fund as part of a settlement to compensate individuals claiming government "weaponization." The fund has drawn criticism over its bypassing of congressional oversight and potential constitutional issues.
Posts tagged as “the U.S. Department of Justice”
A Florida teenager has been charged as an adult with murder and sexual abuse in the death of his stepsister aboard a Carnival cruise ship in 2025. The case involves allegations of assault and mechanical asphyxiation while the ship was in international waters.
The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a civil rights investigation into Ohio State University College of Medicine’s admissions policies, requesting detailed applicant data amid heightened scrutiny of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives following the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling against affirmative action. Led by Harmeet Dhillon, a conservative activist heading the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, the inquiry reflects a broader crackdown on DEI policies at several universities. Separately, the DOJ and Department of Homeland Security are finalizing a controversial agreement to share sensitive voter registration data for immigration and criminal investigations, raising privacy and legal concerns.
The U.S. Department of Justice, under the Trump administration, filed a federal lawsuit against Harvard University alleging that the institution failed to protect Jewish and Israeli students from harassment following the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack, violating federal civil rights law. The lawsuit accuses Harvard of deliberate indifference to a hostile environment and seeks to recover billions in federal funding, amid ongoing disputes including previous funding freezes and legal battles over alleged antisemitism and ideological bias. Despite stalled negotiations and increased settlement demands by President Trump, Harvard has yet to publicly respond to the latest legal action.
The U.S. Department of Justice seized four internet domains linked to Iranian government-backed hacking groups involved in cyberattacks, data theft, and intimidation of dissidents, including threats against individuals in the U.S. These groups, such as Handala and Homeland Justice, have targeted entities like a U.S. medical technology company and foreign governments, using custom malware and psychological warfare tactics. The seizures come amid heightened regional tensions following recent U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, with U.S. officials vowing to continue countering Iranian cyber threats to national security.
A remedy hearing has begun in Washington, D.C., to determine penalties for Google following an August court ruling that found the company guilty of monopolistic practices by leveraging its market dominance to suppress competition. The hearing, which could last three weeks, may result in significant actions such as requiring Google to sell its Chrome web browser, potentially reshaping its parent company, Alphabet. This case is seen as pivotal for the future of the search market, with the U.S. Department of Justice advocating for increased competition and consumer choice, while Google faces potential existential threats to its business operations and market strategy.
The case of Kilmer Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident mistakenly deported to El Salvador, has gained significant attention following a Supreme Court ruling that mandates the U.S. government to facilitate his release from a Salvadoran prison. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis has requested updates on his current status and the efforts made by the Justice Department to rectify the deportation error, including diplomatic communications with Salvadoran authorities. Senator Chris Van Hollen has been actively involved, expressing concern for Abrego Garcia's well-being and seeking to engage with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele to expedite his return to the United States.
A federal judge has permanently dismissed corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, concluding a significant legal chapter with a "with prejudice" ruling that prevents retrial on the same charges. Judge Dale Ho's decision aligns with arguments from Paul Clement, who emphasized the need to avoid any perception of ongoing political pressure on the mayor. This resolution allows Mayor Adams to continue his duties without the threat of legal proceedings, as neither the Department of Justice nor the mayor's office has commented on the outcome.