Attorney General Merrick Garland is pushing back against what he describes as “unfounded” attacks on the U.S. Department of Justice.
In an op-ed for The Washington Post, Garland defended the DOJ, stating that GOP attacks on the department are jeopardizing the safety of its employees and democracy itself.
“Disagreements about politics are beneficial for our democracy. They are a normal part of the process. However, the use of conspiracy theories, falsehoods, violence, and threats of violence to influence political outcomes is not normal. The momentary political gains from those tactics will never outweigh the long-term consequences for our country,” Garland wrote.
Garland underscored that the attacks on the DOJ, resulting in threats against employees, are a safety hazard. He referenced recent incidents, like a bomb threat at an FBI field office.
“In recent times, we have witnessed a surge in attacks that exceed public scrutiny, criticism, and legitimate oversight of our work. They are unfounded, personal, and hazardous,” he stated.
Despite the DOJ’s lack of involvement in state-level cases, the House Judiciary Committee suggested the agency played a role in the New York hush money trial where former President Donald Trump was found guilty on all 34 charges.
Garland dismissed the notion as a conspiracy theory, clarifying that the case was handled exclusively by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
He also condemned House GOP investigators for continually targeting career DOJ officials, classifying it as “attempts to intimidate and pressure our career public servants.”
Republicans have consistently criticized what they perceive as a “two-tiered” justice system within the DOJ, pointing out disparities in penalties that often impact people of color or those with limited resources.
The Hill contributed to this report.
