Attorney General Garland to Confront GOP Skeptics Amid Intense Justice Department Scrutiny

45

This Wednesday, Attorney General Merrick Garland is scheduled to confront his most vehement Republican critics during a routine oversight hearing in the House of Representatives. The GOP members of the House Judiciary Committee plan to question him intensively regarding their assertions that the Justice Department has been “weaponized” under the administration of President Joe Biden.

Garland’s appearance before the committee is particularly noteworthy as it is his first in two years and occurs at a unique juncture in the history of the Justice Department. He is currently overseeing criminal cases against Donald Trump, making him the first ex-president to face such charges, and a separate case against President Biden’s son, Hunter Biden.

According to pre-released statements, Garland is expected to emphasize the independence of the Justice Department, stating, “Our duty is not to act upon directives from the president, Congress, or any other entity concerning whom or what to investigate in a criminal capacity.”

While the Republicans on the committee have been reticent about their planned lines of inquiry, Garland is anticipated to face rigorous and potentially confrontational questions related to the criminal cases against both Donald Trump and Hunter Biden. This comes at a time when there is an increase in political and physical threats against law enforcement agents and their families.

Garland, in his prepared remarks, will acknowledge that the responsibilities of the Justice Department naturally invite public scrutiny, criticism, and legitimate oversight. He will caution, however, against targeting individual career public servants, particularly in the current climate of heightened threats against such personnel.

Democrats on the committee have declared their intention to serve as a “truth squad” to counter what they perceive as GOP misinformation and continued defense of Trump, who is currently the leading Republican contender for the next presidential election. They accuse Republicans of attempting to divert attention away from the embattled former president’s legal predicaments and cast an unfavorable light on Biden.

Rep. Adam Schiff, a senior Democrat on the committee, has indicated that he will use the hearing to underscore the detrimental effects that such tactics have on the justice system and institutions at large.

The hearing also follows closely on the heels of an impeachment inquiry launched against President Biden by Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., which particularly focuses on the Justice Department’s handling of the Hunter Biden case. Both the White House and Hunter Biden’s legal team have dismissed the inquiry and ensuing criticisms, respectively focusing on policy matters and launching a lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service.

Republicans assert that neither Trump’s nor Biden’s Justice Department has adequately investigated allegations against Hunter Biden, which range from his involvement with the Ukrainian energy company Burisma to his tax affairs in California and Washington D.C.

Garland is anticipated to reiterate his impartial stance during the hearing, stating, “I am neither the President’s attorney nor Congress’s prosecutor. The Justice Department serves the American people.”

David Weiss, the U.S. Attorney for Delaware appointed by Trump and retained by Garland, has been granted special counsel status to continue the Hunter Biden investigation free from allegations of political interference. Last week, under this authority, Weiss indicted Hunter Biden on federal firearms charges. This development has led to further scrutiny from Republican committee chairs regarding Weiss’ conduct, who initiated an investigation after allegations of Justice Department interference were raised by IRS agents.

Testimony from Gary Shapley, a veteran IRS agent, indicated that Weiss claimed he was not the deciding authority on charges against Hunter Biden. However, this testimony has been contested by two FBI agents, also present at the meeting, who informed lawmakers that they do not recall Weiss making such a statement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Attorney General Merrick Garland

More about Attorney General Merrick Garland

• Overview of the House Judiciary Committee
• Merrick Garland’s Tenure as Attorney General
• Kevin McCarthy’s Impeachment Inquiry Against President Biden
• The Hunter Biden Case: A Timeline
• Profile of David Weiss, U.S. Attorney for Delaware
• IRS Agents’ Testimonies in Hunter Biden Case