A judge had demanded an explanation for why Justice Department officials were publicly expressing views on Luigi Mangione’s guilt in the killing of a health insurance executive.

© Jefferson Siegel for The New York Times

Readers respond to a guest essay about vaccine debates. Also: Attorney General Pam Bondi’s performance; wildfire smoke and our health.

The former F.B.I. director appeared in a brief hearing in federal court. His lawyers sought clarity on the details of a case filed under pressure from President Trump.

© Jared Soares for The New York Times

At a Senate committee hearing, the attorney general avoided answering pointed queries by repeatedly laying into her questioners and casting her responses as a defense of the Trump administration.

© Kenny Holston/The New York Times

The session before a Senate panel featured more fireworks than facts as Democrats and the attorney general repeatedly clashed.

© Kenny Holston/The New York Times

Before the election, we surveyed the legal establishment about what a second Trump term could mean for the rule of law. A year later, they’re very, very worried.

The political prosecution of James Comey.

As despots have done for centuries, Trump is persecuting people he considers his enemies, with little justification other than raw political power.

The Justice Department and the attorney general are supposed to keep a distance from the president, not be his personal score settlers.