Attorney General Merrick Garland made remarks to DOJ staff Thursday, emphasizing the importance of impartiality and the need to protect the Department of Justice from becoming a political weapon. However, he failed to address the ongoing prosecution he is overseeing against former President Donald Trump.
While discussing the principles of federal prosecution, which prohibit prosecutors from being influenced by political associations or activities, Garland did not mention the two federal cases brought against Trump by the Biden-Harris DOJ.
Garland stated that the DOJ has only one rule, to follow the facts and apply the law in a way that respects the Constitution and protects civil liberties. However, his actions as attorney general suggest otherwise.
In July, the Supreme Court ruled that former presidents are immune from prosecution for official acts taken in office. Despite this ruling, Special Counsel Jack Smith brought two indictments against Trump, one for alleged mishandling of classified documents and another for alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
The judge overseeing Trump’s classified documents case dismissed it, ruling that Smith was unconstitutionally appointed by Garland. However, Smith has appealed the ruling, and his case is still ongoing.
Furthermore, the judge in Trump’s Washington, D.C. case, Tanya Chutkan, has set a timeline that would make previously unseen evidence public just before the election. This raises concerns about the timing of the prosecution and its potential political motivations.
"Our norms are a promise that we will not allow this Department to be used as a political weapon. And our norms are a promise that we will not allow this nation to become a country where law enforcement is treated as an apparatus of politics." – AG Garland
— U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) September 12, 2024
During a hearing earlier this month, where Trump’s attorney objected to the timeline, Chutkan stated that she was not concerned with the electoral schedule. This further suggests that the prosecution is being used as a political weapon against Trump.
In his remarks, Garland also mentioned the escalation of attacks on the DOJ’s career lawyers and personnel. He called these attacks “dangerous and outrageous” and stated that the department will not be intimidated by them.
However, it is concerning that Garland is not addressing the potential political motivations behind the attacks and the prosecution itself. It is clear that the DOJ under Garland’s leadership is not upholding its promise to protect the independence of the department from political interference.
Under Garland’s leadership, the DOJ has become a tool for the Biden-Harris administration to target their political opponents. This is an abuse of power and goes against the principles of impartiality and fairness that the DOJ is supposed to uphold.
Garland’s failure to mention the prosecution against Trump in his remarks raises questions about his own political biases and motivations.
AG GARLAND on attacks against DOJ since Trump left office:
The attacks go “far beyond public scrutiny, criticism and legitimate and necessary oversight of our work.” pic.twitter.com/o80Rlihf4Z
— Senate Judiciary Committee (@JudiciaryDems) September 12, 2024
It is dangerous and unacceptable for the DOJ to be used as a political weapon, and it is time for Garland to hold true to his promise and ensure that the department remains impartial and independent. The American people deserve a fair and just DOJ, not one that is driven by political agendas. We must demand accountability from our leaders and demand that the DOJ’s principles are upheld.