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DOJ Probe Proposed Amid Bipartisan Concerns

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, January 18th 2026 at 7:29 GMT
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Washington, D.C. - January 18, 2026 - In a rare display of bipartisan unity, Senators Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) are urging Congress to launch a thorough, independent investigation into allegations that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has been inappropriately used for political purposes. This call for action follows the release of a contentious memo from House Judiciary Committee Republicans outlining serious concerns about the DOJ's handling of several investigations, further fueling anxieties regarding the agency's impartiality and adherence to legal protocols.

The core of the controversy centers around claims detailed within the Republican-authored memo, which suggests that certain DOJ officials may have deliberately targeted political adversaries and exceeded their legal authority in pursuit of investigations. While the memo doesn't explicitly accuse any individual or specify particular cases, its implications have triggered considerable alarm and calls for accountability.

Senator Kelly and Portman, in a joint statement released Saturday, emphasized the critical importance of maintaining the DOJ's integrity and independence. "We are deeply concerned by the allegations outlined in this memo and believe a bipartisan investigation is necessary to ensure the DOJ's integrity and independence," the statement read. To guarantee objectivity, the senators specifically requested that any such investigation be conducted by a panel comprising lawmakers from both sides of the aisle.

"It is imperative that the DOJ operates with impartiality and fairness, and that its decisions are based on the law and facts, not political considerations," they added, reinforcing the need for a return to a system where legal decisions are insulated from partisan influence. This sentiment reflects a broader concern shared by many in Washington, spanning the political spectrum.

The timing of this request is particularly significant. The DOJ has been under increased scrutiny, especially in the aftermath of the Trump administration and the highly polarized climate of the previous decade. Republicans during that period routinely accused the DOJ of launching politically motivated investigations aimed at undermining then-President Trump. Conversely, Democrats often criticized the DOJ for failing to pursue accountability for Trump's alleged misconduct and actions, suggesting a reluctance to act decisively on matters of political sensitivity. This legacy of accusations, irrespective of their validity, contributes to the current atmosphere of distrust.

This isn't the first instance of bipartisan anxiety regarding the DOJ's politicization. Numerous other lawmakers, representing both Republican and Democratic constituencies, have previously voiced concerns about the agency's independence and potential for partisan bias. The calls for reform and oversight have steadily grown in volume as public confidence in government institutions continues to be tested. While partisan disagreements regarding specific cases or policies are commonplace, the convergence of concerns from both sides demonstrates a shared recognition of a systemic issue.

The proposed investigation aims to address several key questions. Did DOJ officials act outside established legal parameters? Were political considerations a factor in the selection of cases or the handling of investigations? Was due process appropriately observed? The answers to these questions, if uncovered, could significantly impact public trust in the Justice Department and potentially lead to reforms aimed at reinforcing its independence. It is anticipated that the investigation, if approved, will involve extensive interviews, document reviews, and a thorough examination of the DOJ's internal processes. The scope of the investigation and its eventual findings will likely have lasting ramifications for the DOJ's operations and its relationship with Congress and the American public. The senators hope that this investigation will provide reassurance and bolster the DOJ's image as a non-partisan institution committed to upholding the law.