Department of Justice attorneys, agents and investigators may not undertake political investigations or prosecutions

As Donald Trump's second term begins, DOJ and FBI staff may face significant pressure from the White House and the attorney general or FBI director to participate in political investigations or drop valid cases. Such actions may violate the Constitution and statutes like the Hatch Act and the Civil Service Reform Act, while also contravening longstanding (post-Watergate) DOJ policy protecting its independence. This report outlines the laws that may be implicated, duties and options for reporting misconduct or unlawful orders, and then provides additional resources that may be useful.