Why the DOJ’s Crackdown on Trump’s Opponents Intensified This Week

The Justice Department dominated this week’s political headlines as several high-profile investigations and internal disputes converged—many observers say under pressure from President Trump to more aggressively target his opponents.

DOJ Drama and the Powell Investigation

Late Sunday, Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell disclosed he was the subject of a Justice Department inquiry. Officially described as related to testimony about Fed renovation expenses, many interpreted the probe as linked to disputes over interest-rate policy after months of public pressure from Mr. Trump. The White House sought to portray the matter as the initiative of local prosecutors, but the episode nonetheless intensified concerns about political influence on the department.

Probes of Lawmakers and Internal Resignations

Federal prosecutors also opened inquiries into five Democratic lawmakers who last year released a video urging troops to ignore unlawful orders—an action Mr. Trump labeled 'seditious.' Separately, several DOJ prosecutors resigned amid controversy over internal priorities, including criticism that the department was pressured to investigate a widow instead of investigating an ICE-related death in Minneapolis.

Pressure on the Attorney General and Attorneys

Reporting in the Wall Street Journal described growing frustration from Mr. Trump toward Attorney General Pam Bondi, framing it as part of an effort to push the Justice Department to pursue the president’s priorities and political rivals. Another account recounted a White House photo op during which Mr. Trump allegedly berated U.S. attorneys for being 'weak' and for not moving fast enough to prosecute favored targets.

Senate Pushback: Tillis and the Fed Nominations

Senator Thom Tillis publicly vowed to block any of the White House’s Federal Reserve nominees until the Powell matter is resolved. Because of his seat on the Senate Banking Committee, Tillis’ pledge could prevent nominees—including a successor to Powell as Fed chair—from advancing out of committee. That resistance, echoed by other Republicans, helped calm markets and put the White House on the defensive.

Greenland, Diplomatic Fallout, and Trade Tensions

Mr. Trump reiterated his interest in Greenland, calling anything short of the island being 'in the hands of the UNITED STATES' 'unacceptable.' That rhetoric contributed to notable diplomatic friction: several European countries reportedly deployed personnel to Greenland in a show of support for Denmark, and other allies expressed growing skepticism about U.S. reliability as a trade partner.

Iran, De-Escalation, and Lindsey Graham

The administration considered military options as Iran faced widespread protests, and U.S. personnel were advised to leave certain regional posts. By midweek, however, the White House signaled a de-escalation after counsel from regional allies who warned U.S. intervention could cause greater instability. Senator Lindsey Graham—a prominent hawk—publicly urged more forceful action and was left politically frustrated by the shift away from intervention.

Congressional Fights: Venezuela War Powers Resolution

Senators advanced a war-powers resolution to block U.S. military action in Venezuela without congressional authorization. After intense pressure from the White House, Senate Republicans used procedural moves to defeat the measure when two GOP senators withdrew their support after receiving assurances from the administration that no troops were currently deployed.

Politics and the 2026 Senate Map

On the electoral front, former Alaska Rep. Mary Peltola launched a Senate campaign against incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan, giving Democrats a credible pickup opportunity in a red state where she previously won statewide. Her entry is one piece of a broader Democratic strategy to gain the four seats needed to retake Senate control—an ambitious path that would require strong Democratic performances in multiple competitive races.

Viral Confrontation at a Ford Plant

During a visit to a Ford F-150 plant in Michigan, a line worker, identified as TJ Sabula, shouted an insult at the president. Mr. Trump responded with an expletive and an obscene gesture; Sabula was later suspended. Two GoFundMe pages supporting him raised more than $800,000, and he says he has 'no regrets' about confronting the president.

Bottom line: This week’s developments underscored growing tensions between the White House and the Justice Department, highlighted persistent foreign-policy flashpoints, and revealed the political stakes for both parties as they jockey for advantage ahead of the next election cycle.