Trump administration ends federal oversight of police investigations after George Floyd's death

In May 2025, the Trump administration announced the cessation of federal investigations into police misconduct that were initiated following the death of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed by a police officer. The decision reflected an abandonment of the oversight reforms that were intended to hold local law enforcement accountable for excessive use of force and racially motivated actions. Although the Department of Justice was granted authority to investigate police abuses in 1994 after the Rodney King incident, the closure of these investigations raises concerns among cities that have been seeking ongoing federal support. Minneapolis's Mayor Jacob Frey stated that the city would continue to comply with a consent decree created earlier this year, emphasizing a local commitment to police reform despite the federal retreat. Additionally, civic leaders, families of victims, and civil rights advocates criticized the reversal, arguing it undermines efforts toward accountability and reform. The local community's response signifies a continued demand for systemic change, suggesting that without federal oversight, it falls on citizens to ensure that policing reforms are enacted and upheld in their respective jurisdictions, particularly in light of high racial disparities in policing and employment outcomes. While acknowledging the ongoing challenges, leaders are reminded that true reform requires respect and collaboration between law enforcement and the communities they serve.