Fact Check: The rules don't exist anymore in the Justice Department.

Fact Check: "The rules don't exist anymore in the Justice Department."

What We Know

The claim that "the rules don't exist anymore in the Justice Department" appears to stem from recent changes and criticisms regarding the operational policies of the Department of Justice (DOJ). However, the DOJ continues to publish and enforce various rules and regulations. For instance, as of July 14, 2025, the DOJ had published 417 documents in the 2025 Federal Register, which includes rules related to civil monetary penalties, telemedicine for veterans, and immigration-related violations (Justice Department - 2025 Federal Register Index).

Moreover, the DOJ has recently implemented new policies and priorities in prosecution, indicating an active regulatory environment (DOJ Announces New Policies and Priorities in Prosecution). This suggests that the DOJ is not devoid of rules but is rather undergoing a transformation in its approach and priorities.

Analysis

The assertion that "the rules don't exist anymore" can be misleading. While it may reflect frustrations from certain individuals within the DOJ regarding changes in leadership and policy direction, it does not accurately represent the current state of the department. The ongoing publication of rules in the Federal Register demonstrates that the DOJ maintains a structured regulatory framework.

Critics, including some former DOJ officials, have expressed concerns about a perceived lack of adherence to established protocols, particularly in light of recent firings and policy shifts that some believe undermine the department's integrity (Justice Department purge continues, firings include Trump investigators). However, these criticisms do not equate to the complete absence of rules. Instead, they highlight a contentious environment where the interpretation and enforcement of existing rules may be in flux.

The sources cited provide a mix of perspectives, with some emphasizing the continuity of regulatory practices and others focusing on the implications of recent personnel changes. The reliability of these sources varies; official DOJ publications are authoritative, while media reports may reflect subjective interpretations of the situation.

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The claim that "the rules don't exist anymore in the Justice Department" is false. The DOJ continues to operate under a framework of established rules and regulations, as evidenced by its ongoing publications in the Federal Register and the implementation of new policies. While there may be significant changes and criticisms regarding the department's operations, this does not indicate that rules have ceased to exist.

Sources

1. Justice Department - 2025 Federal Register Index
2. Federal Register Notices 2025
3. Preventing Access to U.S. Sensitive Personal Data and ...
4. DOJ Announces New Policies and Priorities in Prosecution
5. Justice Department purge continues, firings include Trump investigators
6. DOJ's Final Rule on Bulk Data Transfers: A Road Map
7. Department of Justice Final Rule Restricts Foreign Data Access