Attorney General Merrick Garland gave a tearful goodbye while warning of the risks of “grave injustice” for those who abuse the Justice Department’s power. Garland defended the agency he’s led the last four years while making veiled nods to the anxieties of those with a stake in the future of the Justice Department. “The same powers that enable the federal prosecutor to pursue justice also create the potential for grave injustice,” Garland said, adding that the Justice Department must always remember the “difference between what we can do — and what we should do.” He stressed the need for the department to retain independence from the White House and Congress. “We make that commitment not because independence is necessarily constitutionally required, but because it is the only way to ensure that our law enforcement decisions are free from partisan influence,” he said. Garland’s comments seemed to be an assurance to career staff who will remain after the transition — a group he called the “heart and soul” of the department.”
Much of it also seemed directed at incoming Trump administration officials — a group that includes three members of Trump's personal defense team as well as Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi, The Hill reports.
Garland stressed the need to ignite investigations and bring charges only when there is a proper basis for doing so and the need for the Justice Department to retain its independence. Garland addressed criticism that DOJ it has been politicized, comments often based on investigations of Trump. He said, “The story that has been told by some outside of this building about what has happened inside of it is wrong. You have worked to pursue justice, not politics. That is the truth, and nothing can change it.” Recent polling found just 2 in 10 Americans feel “extremely” or “very” confident that the Department of Justice will act in a fair and nonpartisan manner during Trump’s second term.
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