Full Breakdown
DOJ Prosecutors Discuss Targeting Catholic Nuns: Internal Messages Reveal Political Motives
4/30/2026, 3:47:37 AM
DOJ Texts Targeting Catholic Nuns
In February 2021, Justice Department attorneys Joseph Cooney and Molly Gaston exchanged text messages that referenced a New York Times photo of Catholic sisters who attended the “Stop the Steal” rally. Gaston wrote, “I would like to take a special assignment of finding and prosecuting them,” and Cooney replied, “I’m with you… Although I’d like to prosecute any nun who still wears the head habit.” The messages were provided to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley as part of his inquiry into the FBI’s “Arctic Frost” probe.
Jan. 6, Arctic Frost, and FACE Act Investigations
The exchange occurred while the Department was focused on the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and investigations led by Special Counsel Jack Smith. Cooney and Gaston later served as senior deputies in Smith’s “Arctic Frost” investigation. In 2026, Cooney defended the DOJ’s use of the FACE Act, asserting that prosecutions of pro-life activists were criminal, not protected speech.
Senator Grassley and Cooney Respond
Senator Grassley described the 2021 texts as an affront to the First Amendment, saying the DOJ showed “total disdain for equal justice.” Cooney, responding to criticism of the FACE Act, argued that his team’s prosecutions targeted criminal behavior and labeled the Trump DOJ’s report on the Act “false.”
Calls of Partisan Bias
Grassley framed the messages as evidence of partisan bias in the Biden-Era DOJ. No comment was obtained from Cooney regarding the 2021 texts, highlighting a lack of direct rebuttal.
Key Direct Statements
- “Freedom of religion is a cherished First Amendment right enshrined in our Constitution by the Founding Fathers.” — Chuck Grassley, U.S. Senator
- “I was appalled, but sadly not surprised, to discover evidence of Biden DOJ prosecutors threatening to use the power of the federal justice system to target people of faith.” — Chuck Grassley
- “The Trump DOJ’s report on the FACE Act is false.” — Joseph Cooney
- “I am proud of my team’s work prosecuting people who conspired to barricade a reproductive health clinic, shoved staff, and forced a woman seeking treatment to climb through a reception window. That’s not First Amendment activity — that’s a crime.” — Joseph Cooney
- “Can we do some work to nail down Trump’s role in this.” — Joseph Cooney (email)
- “People are insane.” — Molly Gaston (text message)
Implications for Religious Freedom and DOJ Impartiality
The exchange raises questions about whether personal political views influenced prosecutorial priorities, potentially eroding public confidence in the Department’s neutral law enforcement and protection of constitutional religious rights.
Ongoing Oversight and Political Stakes
Grassley’s committee continues to review DOJ communications, while Cooney’s congressional campaign proceeds in a district with a large Catholic constituency, setting the stage for further scrutiny of the messages and their electoral impact.
