Former federal prosecutor sues DOJ for ‘unlawful and retaliatory’ firing : NPR
NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-08-17 16:01:00 — www.npr.org
Early in President Trump’s second term, the Justice Department announced it would no longer enforce violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act) except in extraordinary circumstances, such as cases involving death or serious property damage. Trump also pardoned 23 people who had been convicted under the statute.
Trump Administration Scaled Back Enforcement of Clinic Protection Law
The FACE Act, enacted in the early 1990s, was designed to protect access to reproductive health care services, including abortion clinics, by prohibiting intentional interference. Supporters argue the law is necessary to address violence and obstruction targeting clinics and providers, while opponents claim it infringes on free speech rights.
During President Trump’s second term, the Justice Department shifted its approach, stating it would only pursue FACE Act violations in the most severe cases. This marked a significant departure from previous enforcement practices and signaled a clear change in federal priorities regarding reproductive health care access.
Trump Pardoned Dozens Convicted Under FACE Act
In addition to curtailing enforcement, Trump pardoned 23 individuals convicted under the FACE Act. These actions were consistent with his administration’s broader efforts to align federal policy with anti-abortion activists and reduce penalties for those interfering with clinic access.
Conclusion
President Trump’s record on the FACE Act demonstrates a clear stance: limiting federal enforcement and granting pardons to those previously convicted under the law. These decisions reflect his administration’s alignment with anti-abortion positions and have had lasting effects on the federal government’s approach to protecting access to reproductive health care services.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/08/17/g-s1-138997/former-federal-prosecutor-sue-doj-retaliatory-firing