AG denies political meddling at DOJ
Attorney General Merrick Garland vehemently denied allegations that his Department of Justice (DOJ) had been politically influenced in its decisions amid ongoing Republican probes into the department’s conduct.
“I am not the president’s lawyer,” Mr. Garland firmly stated, dispelling any expected claims that his agency had worked to protect the first family.
Mr. Garland’s testimony to the House Judiciary Committee comes amidst ongoing investigations into Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden’s son, and two separate DOJ-led cases against former President Donald Trump. In both cases, the DOJ has faced accusations of being guided by political motives to protect the Biden family and to harm President Trump.
In his opening remarks, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) referenced these cases, as well as a series of other allegations against the DOJ.
He accused the DOJ of overseeing “one investigation protecting President Biden, another prosecuting President Trump.”
Mr. Jordan challenged Mr. Garland to address allegations that the DOJ had targeted parents speaking out about controversial concepts of race and gender at school board meetings, claims that the FBI considered infiltrating traditionalist Catholic parishes with confidential informants, and the DOJ’s collaboration with social media companies to suppress certain stories and ideas.
“1 in 5 Americans believe there is a double standard of justice in our country,” Mr. Jordan asserted.
Defending the Department
During his opening remarks, Mr. Garland emphasized that there was a misconception about “what [the DOJ’s] job is and what it is not,” highlighting the department’s responsibilities such as “defending reproductive rights” and ”prosecuting hate crimes.”
“Our job is to pursue justice without fear or favor,” Mr. Garland declared. “Our job is not to do what is politically convenient. Our job is not to take orders from the president, from Congress, or from anyone else, about who or what to criminally investigate.”
Mr. Garland firmly denied accusations of politically-biased interference in the cases undertaken by the DOJ.
“As the president himself has said, and I reaffirm here today: I am not the president’s lawyer. I will also add that I am not Congress’ prosecutor,” he stated. ”The Justice Department works for the American people.”
He emphasized that the DOJ’s duty is to follow the facts and the law, regardless of where they lead.
“All of us at the Justice Department recognize that with this work comes public scrutiny, criticism, and legitimate oversight. These are appropriate and important given the gravity of the matters before the Department,” Mr. Garland acknowledged. “But singling out individual career public servants who are just doing their jobs is dangerous—particularly at a time of increased threats to the safety of public servants and their families.”
“We will not be intimidated,” he concluded. “We will do our jobs free from outside interference. And we will not back down from defending our democracy.”
The House Judiciary responded to Mr. Garland’s claims in a post on X, calling Mr. Garland’s comments “false.”
“Attorney General Garland just falsely argued that DOJ doesn’t apply two standards of justice,” the panel wrote in a post. “It’s clear that if you’re a Biden or Clinton you’re held to a different standard of ‘justice’ than normal Americans.
“Everyone sees it.”
The hearing, as indicated by the opening salvos put forward by members of both parties, is expected to be a heated one touching on some of Congress’ most pressing concerns with the agency as it simultaneously considers the proper funding level for the DOJ and the FBI.
Venient or advantageous for any particular individual or group.”
Mr. Garland defended the department’s decision-making process, asserting that it is based on “an objective assessment of the law and the facts, applying those facts to the laws created by the people’s elected representatives in Congress.”
He emphasized that the department’s priority is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice, rather than being influenced by political considerations.
Regarding the Hunter Biden investigation and the cases against former President Trump, Mr. Garland maintained that the department had acted independently and without political interference.
He stated that decisions in these cases are made by career prosecutors and not by political appointees, ensuring that the process is free from undue political influence.
Mr. Garland also addressed the allegations concerning parents speaking out against controversial concepts in school board meetings. He defended the department’s actions, stating that it is responsible for protecting individuals from violence, threats, and harassment, regardless of their viewpoint.
However, he acknowledged the importance of ensuring that First Amendment rights are upheld and promised to review any concerns raised about the department’s actions.
In response to the accusation of collaborating with social media companies to suppress certain stories and ideas, Mr. Garland stated that the department does not target individuals or groups based on their political beliefs.
He reaffirmed the department’s commitment to upholding the First Amendment and ensuring that all Americans have the right to freely express their opinions.
Mr. Garland concluded his testimony by reiterating the department’s dedication to pursuing justice impartially and working towards building trust in the justice system.
“We do not and will not seek to advance the interests of any particular individual or group over another,” he emphasized.
Title: Attorney General Merrick Garland Denies Political Influence in DOJ’s Decisions
Introduction:
Attorney General Merrick Garland appeared before the House Judiciary Committee to address allegations that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has been politically influenced in its decision-making. He firmly denied these allegations and emphasized the department’s commitment to pursuing justice without bias or favoritism.
Body:
In his opening remarks, Chairman Jim Jordan referenced ongoing investigations into Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden’s son, and cases against former President Donald Trump. He accused the DOJ of protecting President Biden and prosecuting President Trump, suggesting a double standard of justice. Mr. Jordan also raised concerns about the targeting of parents speaking out against controversial concepts at school board meetings, the alleged infiltration of traditionalist Catholic parishes, and the collaboration with social media companies to suppress certain stories and ideas.
Mr. Garland defended the department’s actions and clarified its role. He highlighted the department’s responsibilities, including defending reproductive rights and prosecuting hate crimes. He stressed that the DOJ’s job is to pursue justice without political considerations and to apply the law objectively based on the facts.
Regarding the Hunter Biden investigation and the cases against former President Trump, Mr. Garland stated that decisions are made by career prosecutors, ensuring independence from political influence. He reassured the committee that the department acted independently and without bias in these cases.
Concerning the allegations related to parents at school board meetings, Mr. Garland emphasized the department’s responsibility to protect individuals from violence, threats, and harassment, regardless of their viewpoint. He acknowledged the importance of upholding First Amendment rights and promised to review any concerns raised about the department’s actions.
Addressing the accusation of collaborating with social
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