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Attorney General Merrick Garland publicly condemned the rising attacks on the Justice Department, cautioning against dangerous conspiracy theories and threats of violence aimed at the department’s staff. Speaking at the department’s headquarters in Washington on Thursday, Garland emphasized the organization’s independence, lauding federal prosecutors and investigators for their dedication.
During his speech, Garland underscored the importance of maintaining the Justice Department’s separation from political influence, especially as the nation approaches the final stages of the presidential election cycle. “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,” Garland stated.
Garland’s remarks come nearly four years after the chaotic transition of presidential power and the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
He assured that Justice Department personnel will remain apolitical, stating, “The public servants of the Department of Justice do not bend to politics… We will fiercely protect the independence of this department from political interference in our criminal investigations.”
Recent years have seen the department facing intense scrutiny from both sides of the political aisle over high-profile investigations involving former President Donald Trump, President Biden, and his son Hunter Biden. Trump was charged twice by special counsel Jack Smith—once related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and a now-dismissed case over mishandling classified information. Trump and his supporters have accused the Justice Department of being misused against them.
Special Counsel Robert Hur investigated President Biden following the discovery of classified documents at Biden’s private residence and office but chose not to press charges, describing Biden as “an elderly man with a poor memory,” which drew criticism. Hunter Biden also recently pleaded guilty to tax fraud charges brought by special counsel David Weiss.
Despite the political sensitivity of these investigations, Garland emphasized that the special counsels have acted independently but acknowledged that the path has not been without obstacles. Notably, in July, the Supreme Court ruled that former presidents, including Trump, have immunity from prosecution for official acts while in office, impacting federal prosecutors’ ability to pursue certain allegations against Trump related to his post-2020 election activities.
Garland reiterated his stance against using the Justice Department as a political tool and highlighted the growing threats against Justice Department employees, law enforcement officials, members of Congress, and their staff. He urged that such attacks, aimed at individuals simply performing their duties, are dangerous and unacceptable.
Garland’s tenure commenced amid the Capitol riots and significant political pressure for the department’s involvement in the 2020 election. Reflecting on his role, he reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the rule of law, stating, “Protecting the rule of law is the obligation of every generation of public servants at the United States Department of Justice… In this time and place, that responsibility is yours, and it is mine.”