Staff Reports
In a CBS "60 Minutes" interview, Attorney General Merrick Garland said he would quit if President Joe Biden requested him to move against Republican frontrunner Donald Trump. Garland said, "I'm sure that won't happen, but I wouldn't do anything about it. I would resign if needed. But such a situation is unlikely." His statement emphasizes his commitment to Justice Department independence.
The Justice Department is facing numerous high-profile cases, including Trump's indictment for election involvement and mishandling secret documents. They are also investigating Hunter Biden, President Biden's son, the Capitol brawl, and confidential materials recovered in the president's home and office. Following his delegating style, Garland has chosen three special counsels to oversee this workload.
Garland has been quiet about these lawsuits but refuted Trump's accusations that they were designed to hamper his 2024 presidential run. Garland said, "That's definitely not true. Nonpartisan Justice Department prosecutors. They make decisions without party bias." Trump and his supporters were directly addressed by this comment.
Attorney General Garland says in interview he’d resign if Biden asked him to take action on Trump ?
Washington—Attorney General Merrick Garland said in an interview that aired Sunday that he would resign if asked by President Joe Biden to take action against Republican… pic.twitter.com/3DoNEvOB08
— 1776 (@TheWakeninq) October 2, 2023
Attorney General defended himself against Hunter Biden leniency claims. Hunter was indicted for firearms charges after his tax plea deal failed. Despite Republican criticism, Garland said the Justice Department follows the same regulations for everyone, "We have no Republican or Democratic rules. Our only rule is to follow the facts and law, make Constitutional judgements, and defend civil freedoms." A strong statement of the department's impartiality.
However, the interview wasn't all serious. Judges and prosecutors assigned to Trump cases risk violence and death threats, which moved Garland. He passionately urged politeness and kindness, emphasizing that while individuals might debate, violence and threats should never be used to influence outcomes. Garland's genuine concern for his colleagues' safety and well-being showed his commitment to peaceful democracy.
