DOJ says its ‘proud’ of Trump banner at headquarters after facing backlash

WASHINGTON (TNND) — A large banner with President Donald Trump’s face and the words “Make America Safe Again” was unfurled at the Department of Justice on Thursday – a building historically seen as independent from the White House.

Critics said the banner represents a significant and inappropriate politicization of the DOJ, arguing that it visually signals the department is acting as an extension of the president’s political agenda rather than an impartial law enforcement agency.

Members of the National Guard walk past a banner with President Donald Trump hanging on the Department of Justice, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

Former FBI Director James Comey publicly condemned the banner was “sickening to see,” adding that the administration “forgot to cover up the inscription” on one side of the building that says, “Where law ends tyranny begins.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office responded by posting a photo of portraits showing former North Korean leaders Kim Il-Sung and Kim Jong-Il outside government buildings.

The DOJ said in a statement that the department is “proud” to celebrate 250 years “of our great country and our historic work to make America safe again at President Trump’s direction.”

Similar banners were hung at the Agriculture Department and Labor Department last year and cost roughly $6,000, Courtney Parella, a spokeswoman for the Labor Department, told The New York Times.

She added that after receiving “tremendous positive response,” the department decided to keep them up throughout the celebrations for America’s 250th birthday.