Karen McDonald, the current Oakland County Prosecutor, recently declared her candidacy for Michigan’s Attorney General.
At first glance, her high-profile prosecution of the Oxford High School shooting case may appear to show strength and resolve. But you have to dig deeper, because there are serious red flags, especially concerning her apparent disregard for due process and transparency.
When you listen closely, most people will tell you what they’ll all about. And Karen’s voice is coming through loud and clear.
Secret PR Campaigns and Smear Tactics
McDonald’s office spent over $100,000 on crisis communication firms amidst the Oxford trial; firms paid by the county, not disclosed directly by her office. Purposely hidden.
Defense attorneys allege this was a covert smear campaign aimed at influencing public opinion and potential jurors. Her team argued these firms “were not hired in secret,” but then turned around and admitted they withheld documents from the defense, raising serious due process questions, and using taxpayer dollars for her benefit.
When those defense attorneys tried to disqualify McDonald for unethical behavior, she didn’t even address the due process concern (because most prosecutors will never admit fault). Instead, she launched a motion for sanctions, calling their actions an “abuse of the court system” and “cheap publicity stunt.”
That’s not strength—it’s deflection. She got caught and threw a temper tantrum.
Opaque Proffer Agreements with Key Witnesses
Key school staff provided testimony under proffer agreements they entered into without transparency. She gave people who most definitely had hands in this a free pass.
Defense attorneys say these undisclosed deals were hidden from them and the jury, potentially altering testimony without proper cross-examination .
In court, McDonald’s team simply insisted “…they did not offer any promises of immunity to future prosecutions,” and implied everything was above board.
The defense remains unconvinced, and I can’t blame them.
Disrespect Toward the Defense and Due Process
When defense lawyers raised concerns about due process violations, McDonald denounced them publicly calling it misuse of the legal system. She framed it as disrespectful to victims and trauma survivors, which is a complete crock and she knows it.
But due process isn’t optional—it’s fundamental.
Ethical prosecutors address these issues in court with transparency, not defame opposing counsel or spin PR around them.
Does She Think the Rules Don’t Apply to Her?
Prosecutorial power requires restraint and adherence to fairness. But in this high-stakes, emotionally charged case, McDonald repeatedly defaulted to sensationalism; launching PR campaigns, challenging procedural norms, and pushing back not on the substance of due process concerns, but against the lawyers raising them.
That doesn’t reflect respect for the rule of law, it reflects a belief that might makes right.
Final Analysis: A Pattern of Power Over Principle
McDonald’s push for AG feels like more than ambition; it feels like a continuation of her “win at all costs” approach. Her strategy in Oxford prioritized optics and outcome over fairness and transparency.
That should be deeply concerning.
If you’re deciding the future of Michigan’s top legal office:
The Attorney General must uphold due process, preserve impartiality, and respect our legal syste, even in the toughest cases. McDonald’s record in Oxford shows she instead leaned heavily on public relations, attack ads, and media manipulation, highlighting style over substance.
My Recommendation
I’m urging voters: Don’t let performative power overshadow principled prosecution.
Michigan deserves an AG who will stand firm with the Constitution, not bend rules to achieve convictions. McDonald’s run signals she sees the office as a platform, not as a public trust.
That’s the opposite of what Michigan needs.
What You Can Do Next
Research the other candidates, like Totten and Savit, who emphasize procedural fairness. Question their plans for transparency and checks on prosecutorial power. Talk to your community; get informed before you vote in 2026.
Let’s build a Michigan that values justice and due process and don’t fall for yet another prosecutor who thinks she’s above the law.
Bottom line: Prosecutors are powerful but must answer to the law. McDonald’s Oxford record shows her priorities lie elsewhere.
When the stakes are high, values matter more than victories.
