The U.S. Justice Department’s internal watchdog offices are facing mounting criticism as federal judges increasingly accuse government lawyers of misconduct under President Donald Trump’s administration. According to a Reuters investigation, judges have cited instances of false statements, failure to comply with court orders and the alleged misuse of the legal system against political opponents. Despite a surge in complaints, the department’s oversight bodies have reportedly opened the fewest investigations in two decades.
The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), responsible for investigating misconduct by Justice Department attorneys, has seen its workforce shrink from 29 employees to 16 since Trump’s return to office. The Office of Inspector General has also lost nearly 100 employees during the same period. Reuters found that OPR launched only seven new investigations in the 2025 fiscal year, even as it received a record 1,666 complaints. Former officials told the news agency that staffing cuts and fears of political repercussions have weakened the watchdogs’ ability to conduct independent oversight.
Justice Department officials rejected allegations that oversight has diminished, insisting that both offices remain committed to accountability and independent investigations. However, critics argue that the declining number of inquiries comes at a time when courts are increasingly rebuking government lawyers over alleged ethical violations. The administration has defended its legal actions and accused some judges and outside investigators of political bias, while legal experts warn that reduced scrutiny could undermine public trust in the Justice Department.
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