Carrie Johnson
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Carrie Johnson covers the Justice Department for NPR. Nieman Class of 2020. Loud laugher, dog spoiler, prosecco fan. Email to cjohnson2@npr.org
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Articles by Carrie Johnson
Democrats grapple with Trump's push to limit transparency within the executive branch
Democrats grapple with Trump's push to limit transparency within the executive branch President Trump is pushing the boundaries of executive power to limit transparency within the executive branch. Congressional Democrats are grappling with how to respond. President Trump is pushing the boundaries of executive power to limit transparency within the executive branch. Congressional Democrats are grappling with how to respond. Sponsor Message Sponsor Message Give a little. Get a lot.
Democrats grapple with Trump's push to limit transparency within the executive branch
President Trump is pushing the boundaries of executive power to limit transparency within the executive branch. Congressional Democrats are grappling with how to respond.
GOP grapples with misconduct allegations against two lawmakers
It was another busy week in the world of politics. We discuss a Senate committee's vote to hold Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress, Todd Blanche's newly cleared path toward confirmation as attorney general, and how Republicans are handling misconduct allegations against two House members. This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, political reporter Elena Moore, Supreme Court and justice correspondent Carrie Johnson and White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram.
A new court launched this week in Washington with the aim to deport
A new court launched this week in Washington with the aim to deport The Justice Department is turning to a never before used court to try to deport a woman accused of pledging loyalty to the Islamic State. The Justice Department is turning to a never before used court to try to deport a woman accused of pledging loyalty to the Islamic State. Sponsor Message Sponsor Message Give a little. Get a lot. Support mission-driven journalism while getting something great in return.
Former FBI Director Jim Comey asks judge to dismiss criminal case against him
Former FBI Director Jim Comey asks judge to dismiss criminal case against him Former FBI Director Jim Comey is asking a judge to throw out his criminal threats case, arguing he's being singled out as a critic of President Trump. Former FBI Director Jim Comey is asking a judge to throw out his criminal threats case, arguing he's being singled out as a critic of President Trump. Sponsor Message Sponsor Message Give a little. Get a lot.
Republicans urge Justice Department to investigate former prosecutor Jack Smith Original
Republicans urge Justice Department to investigate Jack Smith The former special counsel led two criminal investigations of President Trump and has been a frequent target of Trump's ire on social media. House Republicans are urging the Justice Department to launch a criminal investigation into former special counsel Jack Smith, alleging that Smith made false statements last year about his effort to gather phone records of lawmakers.
Todd Blanche faces tense questioning during confirmation hearing for attorney general
Todd Blanche faces tense questioning during confirmation hearing for attorney general President Trump's nominee to lead the Justice Department got a grilling from lawmakers who questioned his close ties to President Trump and his willingness to investigate Trump's foes. President Trump's nominee to lead the Justice Department got a grilling from lawmakers who questioned his close ties to President Trump and his willingness to investigate Trump's foes. Sponsor Message Sponsor Message Give a little.
This Supreme Court term gave presidents a lot more power
This Supreme Court term gave presidents a lot more power : The NPR Politics Podcast The U.S. Supreme Court term that ended last week greatly expanded power not just for President Trump but for future presidents, too. It also gave Republicans an advantage in this year’s midterm election. We discuss the biggest cases and look ahead to cases the court plans to hear in the fall.
Descendants of Dred Scott and the judge who ruled his case on what it is to be American Original
Descendants of Dred Scott and the judge who ruled his case on what it is to be American Descendants of Dred Scott and Chief Justice Roger Taney spoke about reconciliation at a church in the shadow of the Supreme Court this week as the high court wrestled with race and who can be an American. Descendants of Dred Scott and Chief Justice Roger Taney spoke about reconciliation at a church in the shadow of the Supreme Court this week as the high court wrestled with race and who can be an American.
Supreme Court ends term with decision to uphold birthright citizenship
Supreme Court ends term with decision to uphold birthright citizenship On its final day of its term, the Supreme Court rejected President Trump's executive order that tried to limit birthright citizenship but sided with the White House in many other disputes. On its final day of its term, the Supreme Court rejected President Trump's executive order that tried to limit birthright citizenship but sided with the White House in many other disputes. Sponsor Message Sponsor Message Give a little.
Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship, rejecting Trump's executive order Original
Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship, rejecting Trump's executive order A divided Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the 14th amendment and birthright citizenship, rejecting President Trump's executive order. A divided Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the 14th amendment and birthright citizenship, rejecting President Trump's executive order. Sponsor Message Sponsor Message Give a little. Get a lot. Support mission-driven journalism while getting something great in return.
Supreme Court issues rulings on birthright citizenship, campaign finance and more Original
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Supreme Court issues rulings on birthright citizenship, campaign finance and more NPR's Steve Inskeep and Michel Martin discuss the final decisions of the Supreme Court's term with justice correspondents Carrie Johnson and Nina Totenberg and political correspondent Mara Liasson. NPR's Steve Inskeep and Michel Martin discuss the final decisions of the Supreme Court's term with justice correspondents Carrie Johnson and Nina Totenberg and political correspondent Mara Liasson.
By Steve Inskeep Verified, Michel Martin Verified, Nina Totenberg Verified, Carrie Johnson Verified, Mara Liasson Verified
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NPR
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Supreme Court gives Trump broad power to fire agency heads
Supreme Court gives Trump broad power to fire agency heads : The NPR Politics Podcast The Supreme Court issued rulings in a few major cases Monday, and the results were a mixed bag for President Trump. We discuss how the court expanded the president's power to fire the leaders of independent federal agencies but did not restrict mail-in ballots as Trump wanted.
Supreme Court gives Monsanto a win in its fight against liability from weed killer Original
Supreme Court gives Monsanto a win in its fight against liability from weed killer The Supreme Court handed a victory to the maker of the popular weed killer Roundup and made it harder for people to sue over potentially harmful pesticides. The Supreme Court handed a victory to the maker of the popular weed killer Roundup and made it harder for people to sue over potentially harmful pesticides. Sponsor Message Sponsor Message Give a little. Get a lot.
This man is a bus driver and grandfather. A Supreme Court ruling could reimprison him Original
Two years ago, a judge freed Anthony Bailey after 27 years in the federal penitentiary, giving him a second chance at life. And Bailey has been making the most of his early release. Between long hours driving a city bus in Indianapolis, attendingbarbecues and playingcard games with family, Bailey has developed deep roots in his community. Now, after a ruling from the Supreme Court and a legal move by the Justice Department, Bailey, 61, is facing a return to prison in a matter of weeks.
Three judges, three scandals and new scrutiny of judicial accountability Original
Three judges, three scandals and new scrutiny of judicial accountability Three judges are facing misconduct allegations in three different states, putting pressure on the federal judiciary's system for policing bad behavior in its own ranks. In Georgia, a Republican lawmaker filed articles of impeachment Tuesday against an Atlanta judge who allegedly had sex in her chambers and then denied it to investigators, only to change course when they developed evidence otherwise.
Supreme Court limits what federal prisons count for compassionate release Original
Supreme Court limits what federal prisons count for compassionate release The Supreme Court has narrowed the ways people in federal prison can apply for early release. The Supreme Court has narrowed the ways people in federal prison can apply for early release. Sponsor Message Sponsor Message Give a little. Get a lot. Support mission-driven journalism while getting something great in return. Enjoy bonus content, early access and sponsor-free listening from your favorite NPR podcasts. Get NPR+
Trump’s ‘anti-weaponization fund’ is a problem for the GOP
Trump’s ‘anti-weaponization fund’ is a problem for the GOP : The NPR Politics Podcast A federal court put President Trump’s “anti-weaponization fund” on hold, but Republican leaders on Capitol Hill say they would like to see the president back away from the fund permanently. We discuss why the fund poses a political problem for Republican lawmakers. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, Supreme Court and justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, and White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez.
The Supreme Court's Voting Rights Act ruling raises fears of partisan decisions
The Supreme Court's Voting Rights Act ruling raises fears of partisan decisions A long-standing legal principle -- that judges should not make changes to voting or election rules too close to an election -- is prompting questions and criticism this election season. A long-standing legal principle — that judges should not make changes to voting or election rules too close to an election — is prompting questions and criticism this election season. Sponsor Message Sponsor Message Give a little.
The DOJ is trying to let Trump and his companies off the hook for past tax problems
President Trump's settlement over the leak of his tax returns frees him and his company from any past IRS problems. Critics say that gives him a sweeping free pass from audits and tax penalties.
Trump creates $1.8 billion ‘anti-weaponization fund’
Trump creates $1.8 billion ‘anti-weaponization fund’ : The NPR Politics Podcast President Trump is creating a nearly $1.8 billion fund to compensate people who say they were victims of the “weaponization” of the Justice Department. We discuss who could get payouts and who makes that call. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, Supreme Court and justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.
Appeals court hears arguments from law firms targeted by Trump's orders
Appeals court hears arguments from law firms targeted by Trump's orders Law firms targeted by President Trump's executive orders present their arguments before a federal appeals court Thursday. Law firms targeted by President Trump's executive orders present their arguments before a federal appeals court Thursday. Sponsor Message Sponsor Message Give a little. Get a lot. Support mission-driven journalism while getting something great in return.
DOJ indicts former FBI director James Comey for a second time
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SCOTUS justices appear divided on Monsanto weedkiller case
SCOTUS justices appear divided on Monsanto weedkiller case Supreme Court justices heard arguments about liability for the maker of the popular weed killer Roundup and whether federal law should preempt state lawsuits over health troubles. Supreme Court justices heard arguments about liability for the maker of the popular weed killer Roundup and whether federal law should preempt state lawsuits over health troubles. Sponsor Message Sponsor Message Give a little. Get a lot.
Monsanto Round Up Claims
Monsanto Round Up Claims The Supreme Court hears a dispute over labels on the popular Roundup pesticide. Thousands of plaintiffs blame a key ingredient for their cancers. The Supreme Court hears a dispute over labels on the popular Roundup pesticide. Thousands of plaintiffs blame a key ingredient for their cancers. Sponsor Message Sponsor Message Give a little. Get a lot. Support mission-driven journalism while getting something great in return.
Does the president own presidential records?
Does the president own presidential records? : The NPR Politics Podcast The Justice Department has declared that the Presidential Records Act is unconstitutional and therefore, President Trump is allowed to destroy any records from his time in office. We discuss how the move could make it harder to hold presidents accountable.
Historians sue DOJ as Trump shrugs off law meant to preserve White House papers
Historians sue DOJ as Trump shrugs off law meant to preserve White House papers The Trump administration asserts a nearly 50-year-old law requiring the preservation of federal government records is unconstitutional. Historians warn important papers could be destroyed. The Trump administration asserts a nearly 50-year-old law requiring the preservation of federal government records is unconstitutional. Historians warn important papers could be destroyed. Sponsor Message Sponsor Message Give a little.
Observers see narrowing window to confirm Trump judicial picks this year Original
Observers see narrowing window to confirm Trump judicial picks this year President Trump has an opportunity to add to his legacy on federal judges by filling more key vacancies this year.
How young CPAC-goers feel about the war in Iran
How young CPAC-goers feel about the war in Iran This year's Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, lacks many of the big-name conservative stars typically in attendance, but there's still plenty of President Trump fandom. We discuss how some of the younger attendees at the event feel about the war in Iran. We also talk about the legacy of Robert Mueller, the former FBI director and special counsel who died last week.
One year later: Mahmoud Khalil remains in limbo but ready to fight Original
One year later: Mahmoud Khalil remains in limbo but ready to fight Khalil, who was detained last March, sits at the vanguard of a battle over immigrants' due process and civil rights pit against the Trump administration's mass-detention and deportation policies.
Public Integrity Project sues Trump, Bondi over TikTok sale : NPR Original
A new organization launched to fight public corruption is suing President Trump and his attorney general, accusing them of flouting the law when they blessed the sale of TikTok's U.S. assets to White House allies. The case, filed in a federal court in Washington, D.C., accuses the Trump administration of ignoring legislation designed to stop the spread of Chinese propaganda — and instead helping to broker a partial sale to businessmen close to Trump.
Federal workers sue over sting operations by political provocateur James O'Keefe Original
Federal employees have been losing their jobs after sting operations engineered by political provocateur James O'Keefe. Now some of them are fighting back in court.
Trump says his administration should pay him billions of dollars : The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump says his administration should pay him billions of dollars President Trump has filed legal claims against the U.S. government and says he should be paid billions of dollars in damages. We discuss the significance of these claims and how Trump uses lawsuits as political tools. This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.
Pam Bondi clashes with House Democrats at DOJ oversight hearing Original
Audio will be available later today. Attorney General Pam Bondi clashed with Democratic lawmakers who questioned her about the Epstein files and the weaponization of the Justice Department at an oversight hearing Wednesday.
Jack Smith defends Trump investigations and Trump backs off Greenland threat : The NPR Politics Podcast Original
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It was another busy week in politics. We discuss former special counsel Jack Smith's appearance before the House Judiciary Committee — the first time he spoke publicly about his investigations into President Trump — and Trump's announcement of a new "framework" related to Greenland. This episode: political correspondent Ashley Lopez, justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.
By Ashley Lopez Verified, Carrie Johnson Verified, Franco Ordoñez Verified, Domenico Montanaro Verified
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NPR
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Jack Smith to testify in House over Trump investigations : NPR Original
Audio will be available later today. Former special counsel Jack Smith has been itching to talk about his investigations into President Trump. He'll get that chance on Thursday on Capitol Hill, with one big caveat: a part of Smith's report that focused on the president's mishandling of classified materials remains under wraps. Smith's appearance before the House Judiciary Committee marks the first open testimony about his work. He presided over two federal criminal indictments of Trump.
Nicolás Maduro will likely argue he's immune from U.S. prosecution Original
Nicolás Maduro will likely argue he's immune from U.S. prosecution Nicolás Maduro will likely argue he's immune from U.S. prosecution Audio will be available later today. Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is expected to argue that his leadership role shields him from prosecution in the U.S.
The legal basis for the U.S. operation, and the charges Maduro and his family face Original
The legal basis for the U.S. operation, and the charges Maduro and his family face We look at the drug and weapons charges against the deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as the U.S. Justice Department vows to prosecute him on American soil.
Nonprofit files misconduct complaint against federal judge : NPR Original
Federal appeals court judge is accused of bullying her clerks A nonprofit group that advocates for law clerks has taken the rare step of filing a misconduct complaint against a federal appeals court judge, alleging she bullies and mistreats law clerks and that the courts' process for fielding such claims is broken.
Trump’s quest for political retribution is impeding the Justice Department : The NPR Politics Podcast Original
Trump’s quest for political retribution is impeding the Justice Department President Trump has vowed to seek retribution from his perceived political enemies and to reward his political allies. We discuss how that focus is playing out at the Justice Department, where career prosecutors and other civil servants are no longer calling the shots. How does this partisan shift affect major court cases, from redistricting in Texas to James Comey's prosecution?
Man charged with throwing his sandwich at a federal officer in D.C. found not guilty Original
Man charged with throwing his sandwich at a federal officer in D.C. found not guilty Man charged with throwing his sandwich at a federal officer in D.C. found not guilty Audio will be available later today. A jury has acquitted the man charged with assault for throwing his hoagie at a federal officer in Washington, D.C.
The D.C. man who threw a sandwich at a federal agent goes on trial Original
The D.C. man who threw a sandwich at a federal agent goes on trial A man who threw a sub sandwich at a federal agent in Washington, D.C., is now on trial for assault. He's come to symbolize resistance to President Trump's federal surge in the city.
Judge sentences former Jan. 6 defendant for hoax threat near Obama's home Original
Judge sentences former Jan. 6 defendant for hoax threat near Obama's home A federal judge has sentenced a man to time served for making a hoax threat near the D.C. residence of former President Barack Obama two years ago, prompting a massive law enforcement response that included a bomb squad and sniffer dogs. Taylor Taranto, of Pasco, Wash., spent 22 months in the troubled D.C. jail facility while he waited for trial on allegations that he suggested his van was rigged with explosives.
Court to decide whether Trump's appointment of two federal prosecutors was valid Original
Court to decide whether Trump's appointment of two federal prosecutors was valid The Trump administration's appointment of two federal prosecutors will be challenged Monday. If the court finds them to be invalid, cases against former FBI Director James Comey and others may vanish.
Targets of Trump's Justice Department must pay up, even if they win Original
Targets of Trump's Justice Department must pay up, even if they win This year, President Trump has been calling on the Department of Justice to prosecute his perceived enemies — and the DOJ seems to be taking direction. In the last few weeks alone, prosecutors secured indictments against former FBI Director Jim Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. The White House has signaled more cases may be on the way.
People targeted by the Justice Department face steep costs, even if they win in court Original
People targeted by the Justice Department face steep costs, even if they win in court Some Justice Department officials are following President Trump's directive to prosecute his perceived enemies. For those targeted, mounting a criminal defense against the government can be expensive.
Roundup: indictments, shutdowns, and cats : The NPR Politics Podcast
The Justice Department indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James, an outspoken critic of President Trump, this week on allegations of fraud. It comes after the DOJ indicted another Trump critic, former FBI director James Comey, who was arraigned this week on charges alleging he lied to Congress. Then, we get an update on the government shutdown, and talk about a cat's wild ride. This podcast was produced by Casey Morell & Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.
Letitia James, who prosecuted Trump in N.Y., is indicted on one count of bank fraud Original
Letitia James, who prosecuted Trump in N.Y., is indicted on one count of bank fraud A federal grand jury in Virginia has indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James on one count of bank fraud, after steady pressure from President Trump to prosecute one of his longtime political foes. The indictment was confirmed by a source who was not authorized to discuss the charge publicly.
Former FBI director Comey pleads not guilty to lying to Congress
Former FBI director Comey pleads not guilty to lying to Congress Jim Comey has pleaded not guilty on two felony charges and plans to argue he was improperly targeted by President Trump.
Former FBI director Comey pleads not guilty to federal charges of lying to Congress Original
Former FBI director Comey pleads not guilty to federal charges of lying to Congress Former FBI Director James Comey has pleaded not guilty to charges of false statements and obstructing a congressional proceeding. Comey entered his plea via his lawyer Pat Fitzgerald during his arraignment in federal court on Wednesday in Alexandria, Va. The judge on the case set a trial date of January 5, 2026 and Comey is set to be released with no conditions.
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