In a recent op-ed published in The Washington Post, Attorney General Merrick Garland sounded the alarm about the escalating attacks against the Department of Justice (DOJ). His message was clear: These attacks pose a significant threat to our democracy and the safety of DOJ employees.
The Context
The DOJ has found itself under siege from various quarters, with conspiracy theories and threats of violence becoming disturbingly commonplace. Garland didn’t mince words when he labeled these attacks as “dangerous for people’s safety.” But what exactly is at stake, and why is this moment so critical?
The Threats
- Defunding the DOJ: Allies of former President Donald Trump have openly threatened to defund the work of special counsel Jack Smith. Smith is currently prosecuting Trump on charges related to classified documents and alleged interference in the 2020 election. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
- False Claims and Manipulation: Garland directly addressed false claims propagated by Trump and his circle. One such claim involves the alleged manipulation of a case by a local district attorney, resolved by a jury verdict in a state trial. The reference here is likely to Trump’s New York hush money trial, where he targeted the family members of Justice Juan Merchan.
- Politicization of the DOJ: Garland pushed back against conspiracies suggesting that the DOJ is using its work to influence politics. He emphasized that the department’s targets are not chosen based on last names, political affiliations, or bank account sizes.
The DOJ’s Response
Garland’s op-ed paints a picture of a DOJ chief who refuses to be on the defensive. Instead, he’s willing to go on the offense to protect his employees. Threats to “bully and intimidate” public servants, including law enforcement officers, are unacceptable.
Moreover, Garland’s commitment to impartiality is unwavering. He appointed three special counsels to investigate President Joe Biden, Hunter Biden, and even Trump himself. The goal? To ensure that justice remains blind, regardless of political affiliations.
The Long-Term Risk
Garland’s closing argument is powerful: While short-term political gains may seem tempting, they jeopardize the very fabric of our democracy. The DOJ’s integrity and independence matter more than any partisan victory.
As we await the outcome of Hunter Biden’s criminal case, Garland’s call to action reverberates: The attacks must stop. Our democracy depends on it.
