Justice Office Pauses Probe of Six Lawmakers

A U. S. Attorney in Washington decided not to press charges against six members of Congress after a federal grand jury said there was no probable cause. The lawyers had tried to indict lawmakers who posted a video urging military and intelligence people not to follow illegal orders. The grand jury rejected the request unanimously, showing no evidence of a crime. The six lawmakers are all former military or intelligence staff. They spoke in the video about refusing unlawful orders, a rule that protects soldiers from following illegal commands. President Trump called them traitors and threatened severe punishment, but the law does not support such claims. The decision to drop the case does not stop a prosecutor from filing charges in another district. However, no public plans for that have been announced. Critics say the attempt to use the Justice Department against political opponents is a misuse of power and attacks free speech. They argue that this move shows the weakening of safeguards that keep the department independent from the White House.The attorney who led the effort has a long history with President Trump. She posted many supportive messages on social media before the case was presented to the grand jury. Some posts claimed that criminal cases were being brought under presidential direction, but she never linked the case to Trump directly. Former attorneys and political figures have written letters warning that pursuing the indictment would violate Department policy. They noted that the prosecutors could not point to a clear legal theory or statute that the lawmakers broke. One letter described the pursuit as an abuse of power. The six lawmakers said they would not be silenced by this effort. One senator called the action a weaponization of justice against political enemies. The lawmakers plan to attend the President’s upcoming speech, showing they remain committed to their duties. The case highlights ongoing concerns about political influence over criminal investigations. Historically, administrations have tried to keep the Justice Department free from presidential interference. The current situation raises questions about whether that separation is still effective.