'Beyond Parody': Democrats Criticize Giant Trump Banner Hung at Justice Department Headquarters

The unveiling of a giant banner bearing the face of President Donald Trump at the Department of Justice headquarters in Washington, D.C. is generating stern criticism from Democrats. Complete with the “Make America Safe Again” slogan that the Trump Administration has used to promote its immigration crackdown, the banner appears to cover several floors. Referring to the display as “beyond parody,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who often clashes with Trump, argued: “How many dictatorship-style monuments, building name changes, and fake awards do Americans have to endure?” Other lawmakers also questioned if the imagery blurs the line between political messaging and the independence of federal law enforcement. “The Department of Justice is supposed to work for and represent you, not him,” said Sen. Andy Kim of New Jersey. Rep. Jimmy Gomez, of California, said: “Trump is plastering his face on the building that’s supposed to investigate him. There was once a time when a President couldn’t boss the Attorney General around like his own personal lapdog.” When testifying before the House Judiciary Committee over the DOJ’s handling of the Epstein files on Feb.11, AG Pam Bondi was questioned by several lawmakers, who argued she has shown fealty towards Trump.  “Trump orders up prosecutions like pizza, and you deliver every time,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the Committee. Bondi defended herself during the hearing, saying she “came into office with a goal of refocusing the Department of Justice on its core mission” after, what she claimed was, “years of bloated bureaucracy and political weaponization.”  But the placement of the banner at the DOJ has only prompted further concerns. Aside from Democratic lawmakers, others in Washington have also responded to the new decoration. Laura Coates, who worked as a federal prosecutor under prior Administrations, said she doesn’t recall walking under a picture of former Presidents George Bush or Barack Obama outside the building, or a political slogan. “You’re not supposed to engage in political activities as a member of the Department of Justice,” she said, claiming it’s now “Trump’s DOJ.” “That firewall of independence between the White House and main justice seems to be crumbling before our very eyes,” added Coates, who serves as a legal analyst on CNN. The Justice Department is structured to operate with a degree of independence from the White House, though Trump has previously urged Bondi to prosecute his political opponents. In recent months, federal prosecutors have brought charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey. Those cases were later dismissed. The department is also investigating Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over congressional testimony and Democratic officials in Minnesota over whether they obstructed federal immigration enforcement through public statements. Comey was among those who reacted to the banner of Trump outside the DOJ, calling it “sickening.” TIME has contacted the Justice Department for comment. Meanwhile, this is not the first time Trump has installed pictures of himself on federal buildings.  In May last year, banners displaying Trump and President Abraham Lincoln were hung at the Department of Agriculture. In August, a banner featuring Trump’s second inaugural portrait alongside President Theodore Roosevelt was placed over the Department of Labor building with the slogan “American Workers First.” As referenced by Newsom, Trump has also sought to add himself to the name of iconic buildings in Washington. In a move that prompted backlash, Trump’s name was added to the Kennedy Center in December. The decision was made by the President’s hand-picked board, which he himself chairs. That same month, Trump’s name was added to the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) building, after the Department of State rebranded the organization.