Trump DOJ Scales Back FACE Act Enforcement, Citing Past 'Weaponization'

New guidelines limit federal prosecutions under the FACE Act to severe cases, shifting most enforcement to state and local authorities.

The Department of Justice under President Trump will only pursue FACE Act cases involving death, serious bodily harm, or significant property damage.
Federal prosecutors must now obtain approval from the Assistant Attorney General for any new abortion-related FACE Act actions.
The Trump administration claims the FACE Act was disproportionately enforced against anti-abortion activists during the Biden administration.
The directive also includes the dismissal of three ongoing FACE Act cases and pardons for several convicted anti-abortion activists.
Critics argue the policy change undermines protections for reproductive health facilities, while supporters see it as addressing alleged bias in prior enforcement.