Trump DOJ Moves to Scrap Consent Decree Requiring Reforms to Minneapolis Police
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Introduction
On May 21, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), under the Trump administration, filed a motion to dismiss a federal consent decree aimed at reforming the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD). This decision, announced just days before the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, marks a significant shift in federal oversight of police reform. The consent decree, agreed upon in January 2025 during the final days of the Biden administration, outlined sweeping changes to address systemic issues within the MPD, including excessive force and racial discrimination. The move has sparked reactions from city officials, civil rights advocates, and community leaders, with many emphasizing that local and state-level reforms will continue despite the federal withdrawal.
This article provides live updates on the developments surrounding the DOJ’s motion, including official statements, the implications for Minneapolis, and the broader context of police reform in the United States.
Key Developments
May 21, 2025, 10:00 AM ET: DOJ Announces Motion to Dismiss
The DOJ, led by Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Harmeet K. Dhillon, formally moved to dismiss the federal consent decree with the MPD. The department argued that the decree, proposed by the Biden administration, overreached by imposing “sweeping terms” that went beyond addressing unconstitutional conduct. Dhillon stated, “Overbroad police consent decrees divest local control of policing from communities where it belongs, turning that power over to unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats, often with an anti-police agenda.” The DOJ also claimed that the decree’s analysis was flawed, citing “statistical disparities” as insufficient evidence of intentional discrimination.
May 21, 2025, 10:45 AM ET: Minneapolis Officials Respond
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian O’Hara held a press conference to address the DOJ’s decision. Frey emphasized the city’s commitment to reform, stating, “The City of Minneapolis will move forward with meaningful reform with the terms laid out in the consent decree, with or without the federal government.” O’Hara echoed this sentiment, noting that the MPD has been implementing reforms under a separate state consent decree with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights since 2023, which covers similar mandates. The state agreement requires improvements in training, oversight, and data collection to address discriminatory policing.
May 21, 2025, 11:30 AM ET: Minnesota Department of Human Rights Issues Statement
Rebecca Lucero, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, issued a statement reinforcing the state’s commitment to police reform: “While the Department of Justice walks away from their federal consent decree nearly five years from the murder of George Floyd, our Department and the state court consent decree aren’t going anywhere.” The state’s consent decree, enacted after a 2023 investigation found a decade-long pattern of racial discrimination by the MPD, remains in effect and includes mandates to limit military-style tactics and ban handcuffing children under 14.
May 21, 2025, 1:00 PM ET: Civil Rights Advocates Express Concern
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing George Floyd’s family, expressed dismay at the DOJ’s move. In an interview with ABC News, Crump called the decision “very disturbing,” noting that Floyd’s family is “shocked” and “heartbroken” as they approach the anniversary of his death. Crump urged the federal judge overseeing the case to approve the consent decree, arguing that it is critical for accountability. Other advocates, including Christy Lopez, a former DOJ civil rights investigator, warned that abandoning federal oversight could hinder reform efforts in Minneapolis and other cities.
May 21, 2025, 3:00 PM ET: Federal Judge to Review Motion
U.S. District Court Judge Paul A. Magnuson, who has been reviewing the consent decree since January 6, 2025, will now consider the DOJ’s motion to dismiss. The decree, a 171-page agreement, outlined reforms such as prohibiting officers from cuffing individuals aged 14 or younger and requiring specific training for working with youth. It also mandated that race, gender, or ethnicity not influence use-of-force decisions. The judge previously granted three 30-day stays at the DOJ’s request, delaying the decree’s implementation. A ruling on the motion is pending, with no immediate timeline announced.
Background and Context
The federal consent decree stemmed from a DOJ investigation launched after the 2020 murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The investigation, concluded in June 2023, found that the MPD engaged in a “pattern and practice” of discriminatory policing, including excessive force and racial disparities in traffic stops. Black drivers were 6.5 times more likely to be pulled over than white drivers, and Native Americans were eight times more likely. The decree was designed to address these issues through court-supervised reforms, including independent monitoring.
Minneapolis also operates under a state-level consent decree with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, approved in 2023. This agreement, prompted by a state investigation following Floyd’s death, overlaps significantly with the federal decree, covering use-of-force policies, training, and community engagement. City officials and advocates have emphasized that the state decree ensures reforms will continue, even if the federal agreement is dismissed.
The Trump administration’s move aligns with its broader stance on police reform. During his first term, Trump restricted the use of consent decrees, viewing them as overly restrictive on law enforcement. In April 2025, Trump issued an executive order directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to review all federal consent decrees, aiming to “modify, rescind, or conclude” those deemed to impede policing. The DOJ’s decision to dismiss the Minneapolis and Louisville consent decrees, along with closing investigations in cities like Phoenix and Memphis, reflects this policy shift.
Implications for Minneapolis
The dismissal of the federal consent decree raises questions about the future of police reform in Minneapolis. While the state decree provides a framework for continued change, some advocates worry that the absence of federal oversight could weaken accountability. The federal decree included specific mandates, such as banning certain military-style tactics during protests, which some argue are more detailed than the state agreement. However, city leaders, including Frey and O’Hara, have pledged to uphold the federal decree’s reforms voluntarily, citing progress made over the past year.
Community reactions are mixed. Some residents and advocacy groups, like those represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, view the DOJ’s move as a setback, particularly given the timing near the George Floyd anniversary. Others, including Minneapolis Police Federation attorney Jim Michels, have criticized the consent decree as overly punitive, arguing it could undermine public safety by imposing excessive restrictions on officers.
Broader Impact on Police Reform
The DOJ’s decision extends beyond Minneapolis, affecting other cities like Louisville, where a similar consent decree was established following the 2020 police killing of Breonna Taylor. The Trump administration’s broader freeze on civil rights litigation, including investigations in Phoenix, Trenton, and Memphis, signals a retreat from federal oversight of police misconduct. Critics argue this could embolden departments with histories of abuse, while supporters, including Trump’s DOJ, contend that local control is more effective and less intrusive.
In contrast, cities like Chicago, where a consent decree has been in place since 2019, are insulated from Trump’s policy due to state-level enforcement. This highlights the varying degrees of protection for reform efforts across the U.S.
What’s Next?
The fate of the Minneapolis consent decree now rests with Judge Magnuson. If the motion to dismiss is granted, the MPD will rely solely on the state consent decree for court-enforceable reforms. City officials have indicated they will continue implementing the federal decree’s terms, but without federal oversight, the process may lack the same level of scrutiny. A hearing date for the motion has not been announced, but the decision is expected to draw significant attention as the George Floyd anniversary approaches on May 25, 2025.
Resources for Community Support
For those seeking information on police reform or support for communities affected by police violence, the following resources are available:
- National Police Accountability Project
- Minnesota Department of Human Rights
- Communities United Against Police Brutality
Conclusion
The Trump DOJ’s move to dismiss the Minneapolis police consent decree marks a pivotal moment in the city’s journey toward reform, five years after George Floyd’s death sparked nationwide calls for change. While the state-level consent decree ensures some continuity, the loss of federal oversight raises concerns among advocates about accountability and systemic change. As Minneapolis navigates this shift, the commitment of city leaders and the community will be critical in sustaining reform efforts.
Stay tuned for updates as Judge Magnuson reviews the DOJ’s motion and the city responds to this evolving situation.
Key Information Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | DOJ moves to dismiss Minneapolis police consent decree |
| Date Announced | May 21, 2025 |
| Key Figures | Harmeet K. Dhillon (DOJ), Jacob Frey (Mayor), Brian O’Hara (Police Chief) |
| Charges Against MPD | Excessive force, racial discrimination in policing |
| Consent Decree Details | Bans handcuffing children under 14, limits military-style tactics |
| State Consent Decree | In effect since 2023, covers similar reforms |
| Judge | Paul A. Magnuson (U.S. District Court) |
| Next Steps | Judge to rule on DOJ’s motion to dismiss |
Citations
- Star Tribune: Trump’s DOJ asks to dismiss consent decree
- Axios: Trump’s DOJ to halt police reform deals
- CBS Minnesota: Minneapolis officials react to DOJ’s plan
- Minnesota Lawyer: DOJ moves to cancel consent decree
- Yahoo News: Justice Department moves to cancel settlements
- ABC News: Justice Department to drop police reform agreements
- Sahan Journal: DOJ moves to end consent decree
- FOX 9: Judge approves DOJ request to pause
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