Former Prosecutor Calls DOJ’s Delay “The Biggest Mistake” in Trump Federal Cases
Drew Angerer/Getty Images; SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images
With Donald Trump now re-elected as president, many speculate he may evade accountability for alleged crimes in federal cases pending against him. Former Department of Justice (DOJ) white-collar crime prosecutor Ankush Khardori voiced his concerns over this possibility, pinpointing what he calls the DOJ’s “biggest mistake” in handling Trump’s case. In a recent interview on MSNBC, Khardori shared insights into why he believes Trump could avoid facing legal consequences for his actions.
During the discussion, Khardori was asked about the likelihood that Trump would ever face accountability. He responded by partially attributing the current situation to delays in the DOJ’s pursuit of charges against Trump. Khardori noted that the timing of the investigation significantly impacted the cases’ outcomes, suggesting that if the DOJ had acted sooner, things might be different today.
“I think the biggest mistake, by far, by this Justice Department, was waiting to open the investigation into Trump and his inner circle in earnest for a year and a half to two years after they took office,” Khardori stated, underscoring what he sees as a critical misstep. According to him, this lag allowed Trump and his associates to prepare their defenses and shield themselves from accountability, ultimately hindering the strength of the federal cases, told Raw Story.
Khardori elaborated on the impact of this delay, describing how the DOJ’s inaction in the early months of the Biden administration created a window of opportunity for Trump’s legal team. He believes this delay was due, in part, to political sensitivity and concerns about prosecuting a former president. However, the time taken to open investigations may have ultimately undermined the DOJ’s ability to pursue Trump’s alleged criminal conduct effectively.
The former prosecutor pointed out that the DOJ only took more decisive action after the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol held its hearings. The committee’s thorough and publicized hearings shed new light on potential wrongdoing, providing detailed evidence of Trump’s alleged actions. Khardori stated, “Frankly, I think it was only after the January 6 committee publicly embarrassed them with their hearings and their pretty excellent work that in the summer of 2022 they finally sort of picked things up.”
According to Khardori, this renewed momentum in 2022 was too late to ensure that Trump would face consequences within the timeframe necessary to impact his re-election bid. By the time the DOJ ramped up its efforts, Trump’s supporters had consolidated around him, and the former president had already begun to lay the groundwork for a comeback. Khardori’s comments imply that if the DOJ had acted with more urgency, there might have been a stronger chance for legal repercussions to play a role in Trump’s future.
The potential lack of accountability for Trump reflects a broader discussion about the complexities of prosecuting high-profile figures, especially former presidents. Khardori’s critique adds to the chorus of voices concerned with the DOJ’s approach and timing in dealing with Trump-related cases, raising questions about institutional hesitancy to take on politically sensitive investigations.
As Trump prepares to assume office once more, Khardori’s analysis underscores the consequences of strategic missteps and delays in holding powerful figures accountable. His comments serve as a reminder of the challenges the justice system faces in balancing political considerations with the need to act decisively, especially in cases involving those at the highest levels of government.
