Attorney General Merrick Garland recently delivered a farewell speech at the Department of Justice, where he claimed his tenure was guided solely by the pursuit of justice rather than political motivation. Despite his assertions, Garland’s time as Attorney General has been marked by what some critics argue is an unparalleled focus on targeting the supporters of former President Donald Trump. His leadership drew considerable attention, particularly regarding the prosecution of individuals involved in the January 6th protests.
Speaking at the Great Hall in the Department of Justice, Garland emphasized the need for adhering to established norms, even when circumstances are challenging. “It is the obligation of each of us to follow our norms, not only when it is easy but also when it is hard, especially when it is hard,” he stated. However, many observers feel that this adherence to norms was selectively applied, particularly in cases perceived as aligned with the political objectives of the Biden Administration.
Politico reported that Garland appeared emotional during his remarks, further underscoring his commitment to justice. He highlighted the department’s success in charging over 1,500 individuals linked to the January 6th events, framing this as a demonstration of justice being served. “You charged more than 1,500 people for criminal conduct that occurred during the January 6 attack on the Capitol, as well as in the days and weeks leading up to that attack,” Garland noted. Yet, many see these actions as politically motivated, aiming to dismantle the support base of President Trump through aggressive legal actions.
Despite Garland’s assurances to the contrary, there is a belief among critics that his actions speak to a different narrative. This perspective suggests that Garland’s approach was less about justice and more about satisfying political goals, something he seemed acutely aware of, as evidenced by his encouragement for career staffers to stay at the DOJ. “You will continue in the department’s mission, what has always been its mission: to uphold the rule of law, to keep our country safe and to protect civil rights,” he stated, urging continuity as new leadership steps in.
The expectation of an incoming Trump administration, with Pam Bondi as Attorney General, raises further questions about the future of these DOJ employees. Reports indicate that several career lawyers have hired criminal defense attorneys, anticipating potential legal challenges amidst calls for accountability under a restored Trump leadership.
Moreover, sentiments among DOJ staff reveal anxiety over past actions, with reports of emotional reactions following President Trump’s electoral victory. This underscores a climate of uncertainty as these officials prepare for a possible shift in the executive branch’s approach to justice.