In a move that is already sending ripples through Washington, a federal agency is quietly turning its attention back to several unresolved and politically charged cases that have lingered unanswered for years. These investigations, once prominent in headlines, faded from public discussion—but are now being thrust back into the national spotlight.
The cases in question are as sensitive as they are symbolic: matters that touch on political violence, judicial transparency, and national security within the very seat of American power. Though the full extent of the renewed inquiries remains to be seen, the implications could be far-reaching.
With a recent change in leadership at the Department of Justice and the FBI, questions are emerging not only about the cases themselves, but about what their reexamination says about shifting priorities in federal law enforcement.
A New Chapter at the Bureau
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, appointed earlier this year under the new Trump administration, has officially confirmed that three major Biden-era cases are being reopened. Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and longtime political commentator, characterized the move as both procedural and reflective of overwhelming public demand.
“These are matters the American people haven’t forgotten,” Bongino stated at a recent press briefing. “It’s time we re-prioritize them, not just for closure, but to restore trust in our institutions.”
The three cases selected for renewed investigation:
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The 2021 Capitol Hill pipe bombings
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The 2022 leak of the Supreme Court’s draft decision on Roe v. Wade
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The 2023 White House cocaine incident
Each case, unresolved and controversial, taps into broader concerns about political bias, transparency, and the capability of federal investigative bodies.
Let’s take a closer look at each.
The 2021 Capitol Hill Pipe Bombings
The background: On the evening of January 5, 2021—just hours before the Capitol riot that would shock the nation—two viable pipe bombs were discovered near the headquarters of both the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the Republican National Committee (RNC). Surveillance footage showed a masked suspect placing the devices, but the individual has never been identified or caught.
Why it matters: Despite extensive footage, a $100,000 reward, and over three years of investigation, no arrests were made. The fact that explosives were planted on the eve of one of the most chaotic days in American political history has led many to speculate whether larger forces were at play—or whether the investigation was improperly handled or deprioritized for political reasons.
Renewed interest: Bongino emphasized that “new analytical techniques and recovered communications” may shed fresh light on the case. He promised weekly updates on progress, a move that many interpret as a signal of urgency and transparency.
Public reaction: Critics on both sides of the aisle have raised questions about why this case stalled. Some conservatives believe the suspect’s lack of identification suggests a deliberate cover-up. Meanwhile, others see the renewed probe as an attempt to shift focus away from broader issues related to the Capitol riot itself.
The 2022 Supreme Court Leak
The background: In an unprecedented breach of judicial confidentiality, a draft majority opinion by Justice Samuel Alito in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization was leaked to the press. The opinion revealed that the court intended to overturn Roe v. Wade, ending decades of federal abortion protections.
Why it matters: The leak, published by Politico, ignited nationwide protests and threats against justices. It also raised serious questions about internal security within the Supreme Court and the politicization of judicial deliberations.
The investigation’s status: Despite an internal inquiry and statements from the Supreme Court Marshal’s office, the identity of the leaker has never been revealed. No criminal charges were filed, and the case was considered closed in early 2023.
Bongino’s perspective: He called the unresolved nature of the leak “a stain on the credibility of our judiciary,” and stated that the FBI’s Cyber Crime and Counterintelligence divisions have been tasked with reanalyzing digital evidence and communications from the period.
Legal community response: Many legal scholars, even those who disagree ideologically with the court’s decision, support the investigation. “This was a breakdown of confidentiality at the highest level of our legal system,” one retired federal judge commented. “It must be investigated, regardless of politics.”
The 2023 White House Cocaine Incident
The background: In July 2023, a small quantity of cocaine was discovered in a secure area of the West Wing of the White House, reportedly near the Situation Room. While initial reports suggested staff or visitors could have left it, the Secret Service and FBI closed the case within weeks, citing a lack of evidence and inability to identify a suspect.
Public skepticism: The closure of the case drew sharp criticism from the public and politicians. The idea that narcotics could be smuggled into one of the most secure buildings in the world without consequence led many to allege either incompetence or intentional obfuscation.
Calls for accountability: Members of Congress—including both Republicans and moderate Democrats—demanded further transparency. Yet until now, no new investigative steps were announced.
Why now?: Bongino revealed that “new forensic possibilities” and “updated access logs” have given investigators cause to reexamine the scene. He acknowledged that national trust in the integrity of the White House and those who protect it is at stake.
Broader Implications: Political Motive or Institutional Correction?
Some view the reopening of these cases as politically motivated—particularly given Bongino’s ties to conservative media and his appointment under Trump. Others argue that revisiting these cases is not just appropriate, but necessary, to restore faith in the integrity of American institutions.
Transparency advocates welcome the move, seeing it as a chance to clarify past failures and improve accountability. “Whether the previous administration deprioritized these cases for political reasons or not, reopening them now is a statement that no case is beyond scrutiny,” said watchdog group Integrity First.
Critics, however, question whether the investigations will remain impartial. “If the goal is justice, not score-settling, then we should all support this,” one former DOJ official said. “But if this becomes a political weapon, it could undermine more than it helps.”
What Comes Next?
Bongino pledged that the Bureau would provide weekly public updates, a dramatic shift from the usual tight-lipped posture of ongoing federal investigations. That alone signals a new era of communications strategy under the current FBI leadership.
He also hinted at the possibility of “new leads” emerging soon—especially in the pipe bombing case.
Final Thoughts: Truth, Trust, and the Power of Reopening
These three cases were never fully forgotten. They remained in the public consciousness, tied to unresolved emotions about security, secrecy, and the sanctity of democracy. By reopening them, the FBI may not only revisit past failures—it may also rewrite its future.
Whether justice is ultimately served remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: these stories are not over. And as they unfold again under renewed scrutiny, the American people will be watching more closely than ever before.
