DOJ sends letter to medical journals asking about bias and ‘misinformation’
Multiple medical journals have received a letter from a U.S. Attorney, requesting information on how the scientific periodicals intend to promote political diversity and avoid “partisan” politics.
The letter was first revealed in a social media post by Eric Reinhart, MD—a clinician and anthropologist who frequently contributes to multiple journals and media outlets. Under U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) letterhead, it asks Peter Mazzone, MD, a physician and the Editor of CHEST, alleging that authors published in the journal have been “accused of misleading” its readers.
“It has been brought to my attention that more and more journals and publications, like CHEST Journal, are conceding that they are partisans in various scientific debates,” the letter, signed by U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Edward Martin, reads. It continues, adding that “[the] public has certain expectations, and you have certain responsibilities.”
Martin's letter goes on to ask multiple questions, including how the journal intends to “protect the public from misinformation” and if it accepts “articles and essays from competing viewpoints.” Martin gives a deadline of May 2 for a response.
The Trump regime is now using US Attorneys to intimidate academic journals by sending them letters demanding they explain how they ensure ‘viewpoint diversity.’ Journal editors should be public about this and coordinate to refuse to comply with these fascist tactics. pic.twitter.com/I8O2TMQsvR
— Eric Reinhart (@_Eric_Reinhart) April 17, 2025
HealthExec reached out to Mazzone and CHEST, asking, among other things, if they intended to respond. Although we received no response, a spokesperson told Forbes that legal counsel “is currently reviewing the DOJ request,” declining to comment further.
It’s not clear how many publications received the memo from the DOJ; however, MedPage Today was able to confirm that at least two other journals have received similar letters. The outlet did not name the journals, nor its sources.
The letter posted by Reinhart appears to be the only one currently posted to the web. It was dated April 14, and appears to have been physically mailed to CHEST, given the available image is a pen-marked scan.
If anyone has any further information, they are invited to contact HealthExec at [email protected].
Chad is an award-winning writer and editor with over 15 years of experience working in media. He has a decade-long professional background in healthcare, working as a writer and in public relations.