As President Trump begins his new administration, his commitment to restoring trust in the Department of Justice (DOJ) offers a vital opportunity to rebuild public confidence in the fairness and integrity of our justice system. His pledge to appoint principled leaders like Pam Bondi and Kash Patel signals a clear resolve to confront systemic issues, hold bad actors accountable, and ensure justice is applied equally to all Americans. This mission is urgent, as the failures of the previous administration have left deep scars on the foundation of our democracy.

The case of Curt Somoza exemplifies the dire consequences of a politicized and unaccountable DOJ. Somoza, a businessman and CIA contractor, created cutting-edge secure communication technologies designed to protect U.S. national security. According to evidence and reports, DOJ personnel mishandled this technology, releasing it to unauthorized parties—including individuals connected to terrorist organizations. This mishandling extended to next-generation communication technologies that were not only more advanced than what the CIA or U.S. government possessed but also critical to future defense strategies.

Compounding this catastrophic breach was the apparent obstruction of justice in Somoza’s case. Evidence suggests that exculpatory materials vital to his defense were intentionally made unavailable, severely undermining his ability to receive a fair trial. Without access to this evidence, Somoza was convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison. The harm caused by this misconduct was not limited to him—it endangered American lives, jeopardized global allies, and dealt a devastating blow to national security.

The release of next-generation secure communication technology to unauthorized parties represents, in my opinion, a staggering failure by DOJ personnel. These technologies were never disclosed or released by Somoza himself, who complied fully with all laws governing the handling of classified information. Unlike Somoza, the DOJ officials who mishandled this sensitive technology violated their responsibilities, enabling its transfer to dangerous actors and leaving Americans and allies vulnerable to exploitation.

The contrast between the DOJ’s treatment of President Trump and its handling of misconduct within its own ranks further underscores the need for reform. Trump, as a former president, had authorization to possess classified materials and was never accused of wrongfully releasing them. Yet, he was aggressively prosecuted by an administration in which he was the political opponent. During this time, Attorney General Merrick Garland did nothing to hold his own personnel accountable for far more serious actions. Garland was personally notified of the mishandling of Somoza’s technologies and was presented with overwhelming evidence of misconduct, yet he failed to act. This failure to address egregious breaches of justice and national security while targeting a political adversary has deeply damaged the credibility of the DOJ.

The failures of the previous administration have left the DOJ at a crossroads. President Trump’s focus on reforming the institution offers hope for restoring its credibility. His commitment to appointing leaders who value fairness and transparency provides a pathway to address past wrongs and prevent future injustices.

Cases like Somoza’s underscore the urgent need for reform. The intentional obstruction of justice, mishandling of critical evidence, and release of sensitive technology to unauthorized parties are not isolated failures—they are symptoms of a broken system. The incoming administration has a unique opportunity to correct these wrongs, hold those responsible accountable, and rebuild the public’s faith in the DOJ’s mission to deliver justice for all.

With strong leadership and a renewed commitment to integrity, the DOJ can overcome these challenges and reclaim its place as a beacon of fairness in American democracy. President Trump’s leadership represents a turning point, offering the chance to right the wrongs of the past and restore trust in one of our nation’s most vital institutions.