Trump’s Allies Are Quietly Trying to Take Over the D.C. Bar. Don't Let Them
Everyone who follows me knows that I analyze the tactics behind systemic authoritarian takeovers. That’s why I want to bring attention to something that is not getting much press coverage—especially on cable news.
The attempted authoritarian takeover of America is happening in real time, and it’s creeping into the institutions that are supposed to uphold the rule of law. Now, Trump’s allies are launching a bid to seize control of the D.C. Bar, a powerful legal body that plays a key role in disciplining lawyers—including those who enable corruption and subversion of democracy. This isn’t some random election—it’s a targeted move to seize control and ensure that no one in his orbit faces consequences.
Bar associations are one of the last safeguards, and if they gain control, they will have the power to influence how and whether Trump’s attorneys—many of whom have already faced sanctions for their unethical and illegal actions—are held accountable. This is an institutional power grab designed to provide cover for corruption and a power grab.
Who’s Behind This Takeover?
Two Trump loyalists, Bradley Bondi and Alicia Long, are running for leadership roles within the D.C. Bar. Bondi is the brother of Pam Bondi, Trump’s Attorney General and loyalist running for President. Long, running for a treasury position, is a close deputy to Ed Martin, the acting U.S. attorney for D.C., who has already been accused of serious ethical violations. Martin is also an election denier who represented Jan 6th rioters and uses his current position to harass Musk critics.
The D.C. Bar has historically served as an independent watchdog, providing ethical guidance and discipline for attorneys, and is a mandatory body to which every lawyer practicing in Washington, D.C., is required to register. It has already played a role in holding Trump’s allies accountable—Rudy Giuliani was disbarred in Washington, and Jeffrey Clark, one of the architects of Trump’s attempt to weaponize the DOJ in 2020, is facing professional sanctions. Trump knows this and why he wants to neutralize the D.C. Bar’s ability to act against his cronies.
Why This Matters—And Why You Should Act Now
This isn’t just some routine election. It’s a direct move to neutralize one of the few checks on Trump’s legal enablers. The legal profession is supposed to stand for justice—not be taken over by people who will twist the law to serve an authoritarian agenda. If Trump’s cronies take control, they’ll shield their own while going after anyone who stands in their way.
This is how democracy erodes—not with a single, dramatic event, but through a series of incremental moves that take power away from those who would defend it and place it in the hands of those who would abuse it.
What Can You Do?
If you are a member of the D.C. Bar, VOTE. Do not ignore this election. Pay attention to who is running and actively campaign against Bondi and Long. If you are not a member, spread the word to any lawyers you know who are.
We have seen this before—when institutions are taken over from within, they are weakened and corrupted, and by the time the consequences become clear, it is often too late.
Are the people at Democracy Docket aware? Marc Elias’ group. If not, inform them.
Unlawful and gross