Full Breakdown
DOJ Takes Three Controversial Legal Actions
5/3/2026, 10:16:21 PM
DOJ Takes Three Controversial Legal Actions
In May 2026 Justice Department took steps. It indicted Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) for paying informants through shell companies and hiding payments. It revived criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey, charging him over 2025 Instagram post that showed seashells spelling “86 47.” It also filed motion asking Judge Richard Leon to lift injunction that blocks former President Donald Trump’s plan to build “Militarily Top Secret Ballroom” on East Wing of White House.
Official Statements & Responses
DOJ motion called the plaintiffs “very bad for our Country” and said they suffer from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” SPLC filing said it shared informant information with the FBI and other agencies. Donald Trump posted on Truth Social claiming the 2020 election should be permanently invalidated. DOJ brief said, “Courts cannot tell the President what to say.”
Criticism & Opposition
Kyle Boynton, former DOJ prosecutor, warned that “a Justice Department that is willing to stretch both the facts and the law to mislead a grand jury … could literally charge any American with a crime.” Legal analysts say the SPLC indictment lacks specific illegal conduct and the Comey charge rests on a disputed slang meaning. Observers cite Cole Allen and NIH official David Morens as possible overreach.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The SPLC indictment cites a law against “lying to influence a bank” but gives no details on alleged false statements or the bank’s role, nor explains why informant payments would be wire fraud. The Comey indictment offers no analysis of whether the Instagram seashell image meets the legal standard for a threat. These gaps leave essential facts unresolved.
Data & Statistics
- Two SPLC posters tally alleged informant payments (amounts undisclosed).
- Comey indictment relies on a single Instagram post spelling “86 47.”
- Ballroom motion references a “Militarily Top Secret Ballroom” with no disclosed cost.
Verbatim Quotes
1. “If it is true, the 2020 Presidential Election should be permanently wiped from the books and be of no further force or effect!” — Donald Trump, Truth Social
2. “turned around and shared what they learned with law enforcement.” — Blanche, Fox News interview
5. “FREE OF CHARGE AS A GIFT TO THE COUNTRY!” — Department of Justice motion
Why It Matters
The prosecutions and filings illustrate a DOJ perceived as aligning legal actions with presidential preferences, raising concerns about the department’s independence and the precedent for politically motivated indictments.
What’s Next
Judge Leon is expected to rule on the ballroom injunction soon; SPLC and Comey cases will face pre-trial motions and potential appeals.
