Attorney General Garland Maintains Composure Amidst Controversy Following Trump’s Charges

72

Upon assuming office as attorney general, Merrick Garland emphasized his commitment to restoring the “norms” of the Justice Department and vowed to eliminate any perception of political interference. However, during his two-year tenure, the former federal judge found himself embroiled in an unprecedented political firestorm.

The decision to bring federal criminal charges against Donald Trump, the first former president to face such charges, triggered a wave of protests outside the Miami courthouse and a barrage of social media attacks from Trump himself, along with relentless criticism from Republicans.

This charging of Trump, who is also running for president once again, stands as one of the most significant actions in the history of the Justice Department. Ultimately, it was Attorney General Garland who made the pivotal decision, always maintaining a composed demeanor.

Even the day Trump was informed of the charges, the halls of the esteemed Justice Department headquarters remained outwardly calm. This tranquility extended into the night as the former president broke the news on his social media platform, causing an uproar.

Garland’s ability to keep a poker face while under intense scrutiny is not unprecedented. He had previously remained silent when his nomination to the Supreme Court by President Barack Obama in 2016 languished long enough to break a century-old record before expiring.

Having spent two decades as a judge, Garland’s judicial experience shone through in his folded hands and stoic expression as he publicly commented on the charges against Trump. The attorney general emphasized that he had adhered to the rules and regulations governing special counsels, vigorously defending investigator Jack Smith as a “veteran career prosecutor.”

“In a democracy like ours, these matters are adjudicated through the judicial system,” Garland stated, fielding a few questions from the gathered reporters during a meeting with U.S. attorneys on violent crime.

However, this repeated commitment to the rule of law has done little to assuage Republicans who continue to support the indicted former president, reframing the charges as an unjust political persecution.

Garland’s close associates assert that he has always exhibited a cautious and thoughtful demeanor, prioritizing what is necessary without outwardly displaying emotions. Nonetheless, this moment is undoubtedly challenging for him, according to his friend Robert Post, a professor at Yale Law School who had acquainted with Garland during their time as clerks in the late 1970s.

“I’m certain he feels saddened by the spectacle of a former president being indicted for the crimes we see Trump indicted for,” Post remarked. “He is the least partisan person I know. He prioritizes the law above all else.”

The appointment of Jack Smith as the special counsel, following Trump’s announcement of his 2024 presidential campaign, was yet another effort to uphold the norms of the Justice Department, ensuring that the agency adheres to facts and the law rather than politics, as explained by Anthony Coley, Garland’s former chief spokesman at the department.

“For the attorney general, the rule of law is not mere rhetoric. It is a fundamental element of our democracy,” Coley affirmed.

When the charges against Trump were made public, it was Smith, a former war crimes prosecutor, who stood alone at a podium the following day, declaring, “We have one set of laws in this country, and they apply to everyone.”

This appearance also highlighted the distinction between Garland and Smith. Smith delivered his statement not from the neoclassical headquarters where Garland operates but from a sleek building across town, where he has been working. During Trump’s arraignment, Smith sat in the front row behind his team of prosecutors.

Although Smith possesses the authority to decide whether to bring forth charges, Garland maintains ultimate oversight over his work.

Trump publicly announced his indictment on June 8, and according to the White House, President Biden learned of the 37 felony counts against the former president through media coverage. When asked the next day whether he had discussed the case with Garland, Biden replied to reporters, “I have not spoken to him at all. I will not speak to him.”

Garland’s confirmation as attorney general in March 2021 received bipartisan support, with Democrats and Republicans alike recognizing his appropriate record and temperament for the position. After serving as a federal appeals court judge for over two decades, Garland gained recognition for his meticulous preparation in the prosecution of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, which claimed the lives of 168 people.

Garland’s handling of the release of another special counsel investigation similarly maintained a low-key approach. The review of the origins of the FBI’s investigation into Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, conducted by special counsel John Durham, initially began under Trump. When completed under Garland’s tenure, the report was released with minimal redactions.

In contrast, Trump’s former attorney general, Bill Barr, took a vastly different approach when releasing special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian election interference and Trump’s campaign. Barr issued his own memo on the report and later held a news conference favoring Trump before making the report public. These actions occurred during turbulent years in which Trump demanded personal loyalty from his attorney general and the entire Justice Department, undermining its reputation for political impartiality.

Garland will still face forthcoming special counsel findings. Smith is currently investigating Trump’s involvement in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, as well as efforts to overturn the 2020 election that he lost to Biden.

Additionally, Garland appointed a special counsel to investigate the presence of classified documents found at Biden’s Delaware home and former Washington office, dating back to his time as vice president.

When announcing this decision, Garland echoed the language used during Smith’s appointment, emphasizing the importance of “independence and accountability,” which he reiterated in his brief comments after the indictment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Controversy

More about Controversy

• Merrick Garland – Official biography of Attorney General Merrick Garland on the Department of Justice website.
• Donald Trump – Official website of former President Donald Trump.
• Justice Department – Official website of the United States Department of Justice.
• Special Counsel – Information about the role and responsibilities of a special counsel on the Department of Justice website.
• Capitol Riot – FBI’s page on the investigation into the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
• 2020 Election – Official information on the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
• Jack Smith – Profile of Jack Smith, the special counsel appointed by Attorney General Garland, on the Department of Justice website.