Judge Slams DOJ for Grand Jury Misconduct, Nullifies Subpoenas

WHO:

Alternet - Judge Patrick Schiltz, Governor Tim Walz (D-Minn.), Mayor Jacob Frey, President Trump

CBS News Politics - U.S. District Judge

WHAT:

Alternet - Judge Schiltz quashed several DOJ grand jury subpoenas aimed at Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey, stating they were part of a retaliatory effort over their refusal to aid Trump administration immigration enforcement efforts.

CBS News Politics - The judge ruled that the Trump administration's use of grand jury subpoenas against Minnesota officials was retaliatory and unlawful, finding no legitimate investigatory justification for them.

WHERE:

Alternet - Minnesota

WHEN:

Alternet - The subpoenas were seeking materials dating back to January 1, 2025.

WHY:

Alternet - The judge alleged that the Justice Department was abusing the grand jury process and using it for "unlawful" purposes, targeting officials as part of a retaliatory effort.

Alternet - The judge criticized the Trump administration for a "well-established history of using criminal investigations to retaliate against and pressure the President's political and personal adversaries."

HOW:

Alternet - The judge noted that the grand jury process was being used for purposes other than a criminal investigation, emphasizing that the federal government was overstepping its authority.

(UPDATED June 22, 2026 18:26 UTC)

In a significant ruling, U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz quashed several grand jury subpoenas aimed at Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey, stating they were part of a retaliatory effort due to their refusal to assist Trump administration immigration enforcement. The judge found that the subpoenas, which sought materials dating back to January 1, 2025, were unlawful and lacked any legitimate investigatory justification, criticizing the Trump administration for abusing the grand jury process. Schiltz emphasized that the federal government was overstepping its authority, using criminal investigations to target political adversaries.