Story perspectives

Judge Says DOJ Lied About Hospital Talks, Misused Secrecy

6/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Judge Mary S. McElroy ruled Justice Department’s claim of stalled talks with a Rhode Island hospital was false after emails showed the hospital’s lawyers stayed in contact in February and March.
She said the secrecy misused the department’s power and breached trust.
The ruling joins recent decisions rebuking government attorneys for redacting grand-jury transcripts and withholding evidence as DOJ lawyers work to protect key components of President Donald Trump’s agenda.

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Story summary

Judge Mary S. McElroy ruled Justice Department’s claim of stalled talks with a Rhode Island hospital was false after emails showed the hospital’s lawyers stayed in contact in February and March.
She said the secrecy misused the department’s power and breached trust.
The ruling joins recent decisions rebuking government attorneys for redacting grand-jury transcripts and withholding evidence as DOJ lawyers work to protect key components of President Donald Trump’s agenda.