WASHINGTON — In a rare and stinging rebuke from his own party, nearly 40 former Republican officials—ranging from governors to ambassadors—have signed a blistering open letter accusing President Donald Trump of “abuses of power” for allegedly directing the Justice Department to prosecute personal enemies, despite warnings from prosecutors that the cases lack merit.
The statement, first shared with Axios on October 9, 2025, warns that such “politicization and weaponization” of law enforcement poses a “mortal danger” to American values like fair play, equal protection, and free speech, marking one of the sharpest internal GOP criticisms of Trump’s second term.
The signatories, who include former Republican governors, congressional representatives, ambassadors, and deputy attorneys general, stopped short of naming specific targets but clearly alluded to recent high-profile indictments and investigations.
Details of the Political Drama
The letter’s timing aligns with the DOJ’s aggressive pursuit of charges against former FBI Director James Comey for allegedly lying to Congress about the 2016 Russia probe, and probes into New York Attorney General Letitia James for mortgage fraud—cases that Trump’s critics say reek of retribution.
“No president should order the investigation or prosecution of specific individuals against whom he bears personal grievances, especially not when advised by Justice Department attorneys that the facts and the law do not support such a case,” the statement reads.
It continues: “The ‘politicization and weaponization’ of law enforcement poses a ‘mortal danger’ to core American values, including ‘fair play, equal protection of the laws, the right to a fair trial, and the freedom to speak our minds without fear of government persecution.’”
The group emphasized the bipartisan threat, stating, “These abuses of power threaten the safety and rights of every American, as well as the stability of our economy. Democrats, Republicans, and independents all lose when the sword of the government is wielded arbitrarily against its own people.”
Notably, no current Republican officials signed on, underscoring the delicate tightrope sitting lawmakers walk in defying Trump amid midterms.
Eyebrow-Raising Moves
The letter’s emergence coincides with mounting scrutiny of Trump’s DOJ appointees. Interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, a 36-year-old insurance attorney and Trump personal lawyer with no prior prosecutorial experience, took over the Eastern District of Virginia and pushed forward the Comey indictment—despite her predecessor, Erik Siebert, warning it “wouldn’t hold up.”
Siebert resigned after refusing to charge James with mortgage fraud, citing insufficient evidence; Trump later claimed he fired him.
Halligan has also vowed to continue the James probe, even as some of her staff reportedly refused involvement, forcing her to call for backup.
Trump’s feud with Comey and Sen. Adam Schiff stems from the “Russia, Russia, Russia” investigation into 2016 election interference, where both played central roles.
James, meanwhile, successfully sued the Trump Organization for fraud last year, securing a $364 million penalty (upheld on appeal, though the fine was tossed).
Trump has demanded the DOJ target Schiff for alleged mortgage fraud as well, echoing his broader calls for “justice” against perceived foes.
GOP Sit on the Sidelines
The White House has not responded to the statement, but Trump has long positioned himself as the victim of similar “weaponization,” facing multiple indictments before his 2024 victory.
“Whenever one believes politicization of justice started, there’s no question that it has entered a new and disturbing chapter,” the Republicans wrote, signaling their view that Trump’s actions cross a dangerous line.
This internal revolt adds to a chorus of unease from Trump’s right flank, where figures like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have broken ranks on issues from the government shutdown to Epstein file transparency.
As midterms approach and the DOJ’s independence hangs in the balance, the letter serves as a stark reminder: Even in a GOP-dominated Washington, loyalty has limits when the rule of law is at stake.
Will the political fallout continue to grow?
Also Read: Republicans Face Growing Backlash as Voters Blame Them for Govt. Shutdown
Follow us on X: @NezMediaCompany
