Bondi’s Attorney Advocacy Memo Raises Independence Concerns

A new memo warning Justice Department attorneys against refusing to advance legal arguments they disagree with is accelerating concerns about the agency’s independence under President Donald Trump.

Attorney General Pam Bondi’s memo, issued hours after she was sworn in on Wednesday, refers to government attorneys as the president’s lawyers. It also says that lawyers who don’t sign briefs or appear in court due to their personal political views will face discipline, including potentially being fired.

Legal experts, including some former Justice Department employees, said the memo damages the agency’s independence. They also said it could hurt attorneys who don’t want ...