As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his inauguration on January 20, 2025, his decisive victory over Kamala Harris—achieved through a campaign urging supporters to make the election “too big to rig”—underscores a public repudiation of what many perceive as the politicization of the Department of Justice (DOJ) under Attorney General Merrick Garland.
Garland’s tenure has been marked by controversial investigations led by Special Counsel Jack Smith, whom critics accuse of harboring a biased agenda against Trump. Smith’s pursuit of cases against Trump, including alleged election interference and mishandling of classified documents, has been characterized by some as driven by “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” leading to legal actions that ultimately failed to result in convictions.
The DOJ’s focus on Trump has drawn criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Republicans view the department’s actions as a weaponization of justice, aligning with Trump’s labeling of it as the “Injustice Department.” Democrats, on the other hand, have expressed frustration with Garland for not acting more decisively against Trump earlier in his term. This bipartisan disapproval has left Garland isolated, with his legacy overshadowed by perceptions of partisanship and ineffectiveness.
The impending release of Jack Smith’s report, which Garland has indicated he will make available pending court approval, is seen by some as a final, desperate attempt to justify the DOJ’s actions during his tenure. However, with Trump’s inauguration imminent, any such disclosures are likely to be dismissed by the incoming administration as further evidence of a biased and overreaching Justice Department.
As the nation looks forward to a new administration, there is a growing call for the DOJ to return to its foundational principles of impartiality and justice, free from political influence. Garland’s departure offers an opportunity for reflection and reform, aiming to restore public trust in an institution that has been perceived as compromised.
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References and Further Reading:
- Katelyn Polantz, “Garland tells Congress he plans to make Jack Smith report on Trump cases available once courts allow,” CNN, January 9, 2025. CNN (Retrieved: January 9, 2025).
- Chris Pandolfo, “AG Merrick Garland intends to release Special Counsel Jack Smith report on Trump election case,” Fox News, January 8, 2025. Fox News (Retrieved: January 9, 2025).
- Martha McHardy, “Merrick Garland Put Donald Trump ‘on the Horns of a Dilemma’: Lawyer,” Newsweek, January 9, 2025. Newsweek (Retrieved: January 9, 2025).
- “Merrick Garland Tells Trump to Screw Off on Jack Smith Report,” The New Republic, January 9, 2025. The New Republic (Retrieved: January 9, 2025).
