1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

As of March 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), under Attorney General Pam Bondi, is attempting to create a, new, largely unprecedented regulatory framework to block or delay state bar associations from investigating and disciplining federal prosecutors. While the DOJ has proposed rules to halt these investigations, legal experts argue the Attorney General does not have the authority to legally stop state licensing bodies from acting.  The DOJ's 2026 proposal aims to compel state bar associations to pause disciplinary investigations into federal prosecutors during internal DOJ reviews. While the department has suggested it may take action to prevent state-level interference with these investigations, experts contend the AG lacks the legal authority to halt state licensing bodies. The move, targeting investigations into, for example, compliance with ethics rules, reflects an effort to shield DOJ attorneys from state-level disciplinary measures. Bondi must not be allowed to coverer up for unethical prosecuters.