Fact Check: "In May 2025, the Trump administration announced it was retracting the findings of Justice Department civil rights investigations of police departments, including Memphis, that were issued under the Biden administration."
What We Know
In May 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the dismissal of several civil rights investigations initiated during the Biden administration, including those involving police departments in Memphis, Tennessee, and other cities such as Louisville and Minneapolis. The DOJ's Civil Rights Division stated that these investigations were being closed and that findings of constitutional violations made by the Biden administration would be retracted (source-1, source-2). The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, who described the previous investigations as "factually unjustified" and criticized the consent decrees as a form of "micromanagement" of local police (source-2, source-3).
Analysis
The announcement from the DOJ marks a significant policy shift, effectively reversing the previous administration's approach to police oversight and accountability. The Biden administration had initiated a series of investigations into police departments across the country, including the Memphis Police Department, in response to incidents of police misconduct and public outcry over racial injustice (source-2). The investigations aimed to address patterns of unconstitutional policing, particularly in the wake of high-profile cases like the murder of George Floyd.
The reliability of the sources reporting this development is high. The DOJ's official press release provides direct information about the actions taken, while reputable news outlets such as NPR and Reuters corroborate these claims with additional context and analysis (source-1, source-2, source-3). The statements made by Assistant Attorney General Dhillon reflect a clear ideological stance and suggest a broader agenda to limit federal oversight of local law enforcement.
However, the dismissal of these investigations has raised concerns among civil rights advocates who argue that it undermines accountability measures that were put in place to address systemic issues within police departments (source-2). Critics of the move argue that it could lead to a regression in police reform efforts and a lack of accountability for misconduct.
Conclusion
The claim that "In May 2025, the Trump administration announced it was retracting the findings of Justice Department civil rights investigations of police departments, including Memphis, that were issued under the Biden administration" is True. The DOJ's announcement confirms the retraction of findings related to several investigations initiated under the Biden administration, including those involving the Memphis Police Department.
Sources
- The U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division Dismisses Biden-Era Police Investigations and Proposed Police Consent Decrees in Louisville and Minneapolis. DOJ Press Release
- Trump DOJ dismisses investigations of police in several cities, including Minneapolis. NPR
- Trump administration drops police oversight spurred by deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Reuters
