Attorney General Merrick Garland promised an impartial DOJ, but recent actions are highlighting potential political biases.
At a Glance
- Garland emphasized the DOJ would not be used as a political weapon.
- He condemned conspiracy theories against federal law enforcement.
- Garland defended the DOJ’s integrity against Republican claims of politicization.
- Trump has been indicted in two separate cases by Garland-appointed special counsel Jack Smith.
Garland’s Commitment to DOJ Impartiality
Attorney General Merrick Garland highlighted the Justice Department’s policy of neutrality, emphasizing it would not be wielded as a political instrument. Amid widespread scrutiny, Garland’s attempts to reinforce the DOJ’s impartiality have been met with skepticism. Many are questioning whether the department is maintaining its promise of unbiased justice, especially in matters involving high-profile political figures.
Garland unequivocally stated that the Justice Department should operate independently of political pressures, defending the DOJ’s integrity. He denounced conspiracy theories and falsehoods that he describes as undermining the credibility of federal law enforcement, indicating these attacks pose risks to democracy and civic trust.
Attorney General Merrick Garland praises DOJ for impartiality amid "dangerous and outrageous" attacks https://t.co/kVomNB1MCj
— The Hill (@thehill) September 12, 2024
Republican Criticisms and Trump’s Indictments
Garland’s comments come amidst Republican claims that the DOJ has been weaponized against former President Donald Trump. Garland appointed special counsel Jack Smith, who has since indicted Trump on multiple charges, further fueling allegations from Trump supporters of a politically motivated justice system.
“Over the past 3½ years, there has been an escalation of attacks on the Justice Department’s career lawyers, agents, and other personnel that go far beyond scrutiny, criticism, and legitimate and necessary oversight of our work,” Garland said. “These attacks have come in the form of conspiracy theories, dangerous falsehoods, efforts to bully and intimidate career public servants by repeatedly and publicly singling them out, and threats of actual violence.”
Trump’s campaign responded by accusing the DOJ of a biased and unfair witch hunt against the former president. Campaign communications director Steven Cheung called Garland’s conduct “disgraceful” and damaging to the DOJ’s reputation, accusing it of unconstitutional behavior.
Garland’s Defense and Calls for Reform
Garland defended the DOJ’s actions by stressing its commitment to applying the law equally, without partisan influence. He stated that there is no place for double standards within the department, asserting that the law must apply equally regardless of one’s status or political affiliation.
“There is not one rule for friends and another for foes, one rule for the powerful and another for the powerless, one rule for the rich and another for the poor, one rule for Democrats and another for Republicans, or different rules depending on one’s race or ethnicity,” the attorney general said. “To the contrary, we have only one rule: We follow the facts and apply the law in a way that respects the Constitution and protects civil liberties.”
Despite Garland’s reassurances, questions about the DOJ’s true impartiality remain. Critics argue that recent decisions point to a need for substantial reform to ensure that justice is served without any hint of political influence, thereby restoring public confidence in the nation’s top law enforcement agency.
Sources:
- Garland says he won’t let the Justice Department be used as a political weapon
- Merrick Garland forcefully defends rule of law in Justice Dept. speech
- ‘You deserve better’: Garland condemns attacks on Justice Department officials, stresses law is applied without bias
- Garland says he won’t let Justice Department be used as political weapon
- Garland defends DOJ against attacks: ‘This must stop’
