The policy, introduced by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, prohibits DOJ staff from sharing posts that could be perceived as injecting personal political views into their official duties. It also bars the use of official titles on personal social media accounts and the sharing of government press releases in a manner that suggests endorsement. These measures are designed to maintain public trust in the DOJ’s commitment to justice and fairness.
The implementation of this policy follows instances where some DOJ officials posted partisan messages on social media. For example, Leo Terrell, a senior counsel in the Civil Rights Division, expressed strong support for President Trump on his X account. Similarly, Aaron Reitz, head of the Office of Legal Policy, made comments about defendants that could be seen as prejudicial.
While the DOJ has historically enforced guidelines to prevent political bias, the current policy represents a more stringent approach. Critics argue that it may infringe upon employees’ free speech rights. Stacey Young, a former DOJ attorney, expressed concerns that the policy could suppress legitimate expression and be used to target career public servants who do not align with the administration’s views.
The DOJ maintains that these restrictions are necessary to uphold the department’s integrity and ensure that justice is administered without political influence. By limiting public commentary that could be construed as partisan or prejudicial, the DOJ seeks to reinforce its role as an impartial enforcer of the law.
