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Federal judges across the country are criticizing the Trump administration for eroding the 'presumption of regularity' in the Department of Justice.

Federal judges are increasingly questioning the 'presumption of regularity,' a legal principle where the government is traditionally trusted to act in good faith and follow rules. Under the Trump administration, this bedrock standard is being challenged as judges report a rise in Department of Justice (DOJ) misconduct, including false statements, sloppy filings, and failure to comply with court orders. Judges have expressed frustration with the DOJ's tactics, with some describing the government's conduct as 'unlawful' or 'unethical.' For example, Mary S. McElroy rebuked federal prosecutors for withholding information and misrepresenting facts in a hospital investigation. The erosion of trust is attributed to a radical makeover of the DOJ, which has seen an exodus of career attorneys and a shift toward a mass deportation agenda. While some scholars argue the presumption of regularity is a 'shaky foundation,' others note that the judicial branch is signaling a loss of confidence in the executive branch's legal integrity. The administration announced that its attorneys remain dedicated public servants who represent the United States with integrity.

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