DOJ Inspector General Investigation Reveals Senior Officials’ Breaches of Confidentiality Before Election

Violation notice on clipboard beside pen.

Three senior DOJ officials leaked confidential information to the media days before an election, violating internal policies and potentially influencing the electoral process, according to a new Inspector General report.

At a Glance

  • Three senior DOJ officials leaked non-public investigative information to media before an election
  • The leaks resulted in two news articles containing confidential DOJ data
  • One official violated DOJ’s Social Media Policy by reposting article links on a DOJ account
  • The officials had left the DOJ when the investigation began and did not participate in interviews
  • The OIG referred findings to the Office of the Deputy Attorney General and other relevant units

DOJ Officials Breach Confidentiality Before Election

The Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has uncovered a troubling breach of protocol within its own ranks. An investigation revealed that three senior DOJ officials violated the department’s Confidentiality and Media Contacts Policy by leaking sensitive information to select reporters just days before an election. This unauthorized disclosure led to the publication of two news articles containing non-public DOJ investigative information, potentially influencing the electoral process.

The investigation was initiated after the OIG received a complaint alleging a politically motivated disclosure of confidential information. While the specific investigation leaked to the media remains unclear, the timing and nature of the breach raise serious concerns about the integrity of the DOJ’s operations and its commitment to maintaining impartiality during election periods.

Social Media Policy Violation and Aftermath

Compounding the severity of the leak, one of the three officials further violated DOJ policies by reposting links to the news articles through an official DOJ social media account. This action not only breached the department’s Confidentiality and Media Contacts Policy but also its Social Media Policy, highlighting a concerning disregard for established protocols designed to protect sensitive information.

“The OIG investigation found that three then Senior DOJ Officials violated DOJ’s Confidentiality and Media Contacts Policy by leaking to select reporters, days before an election, non-public DOJ investigative information regarding ongoing DOJ investigative matters, resulting in the publication of two news articles that included the non-public DOJ investigative information” – DOJ OIG

The officials in question had already left their positions at the DOJ when the investigation commenced, and they declined to participate in interviews with investigators. Despite their non-cooperation, the OIG completed its investigation and forwarded its findings to the Office of the Deputy Attorney General and the Professional Misconduct Review Unit for appropriate action. The report was also sent to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel to address potential Hatch Act violations.

Implications for DOJ Credibility

This incident has further eroded public trust in the Department of Justice, an agency already facing scrutiny and skepticism. A recent Pew Research Center survey revealed that 44% of Americans view the DOJ unfavorably, making it one of the least trusted federal agencies. The unauthorized leaks, especially so close to an election, have only intensified concerns about the department’s ability to maintain objectivity and adhere to its own policies.

“The OIG has completed its investigation and provided its report to the Office of the Deputy Attorney General and, because the report contained misconduct findings against attorneys, provided its report to the Professional Misconduct Review Unit for appropriate action” – Horowitz’s office

The DOJ’s “60-day rule,” which aims to prevent actions that could influence elections, appears to have been blatantly disregarded in this case. Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani highlighted the potential for these leaks to further diminish public trust in the department’s operations. This incident adds to a troubling pattern of leaks and alleged politically motivated actions that have plagued the DOJ in recent years, including controversies surrounding investigations into President-elect Donald Trump and other high-profile political figures.

As the fallout from this investigation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the DOJ will address these serious breaches of protocol and work to restore public confidence in its ability to conduct impartial investigations, free from political influence or unauthorized disclosures.

Sources:

  1. Three senior DOJ officials leaked non-public investigative information ‘days before an election’: inspector general – DNyuz
  2. Senior DOJ Officials Leaked Investigation Details Before Election: Report – Newsweek
  3. Three senior DOJ officials leaked non-public investigative information ‘days before an election,’ inspector general finds

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR