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Garland cautions against abuse of DOJ power in farewell address

Attorney General Merrick Garland gave a tearful farewell, warning of the risk of “grave injustice” against those who abuse the power of the Justice Department.

Many of Garland's farewell remarks were a veiled nod to the concerns of those with a stake in the future of the Department of Justice (DOJ), while defending the agency he has led for the past four years.

“The same powers that allow federal prosecutors to pursue justice also create the potential for grave injustice,” Garland said, adding that the Justice Department must constantly “understand the difference between what we can do and what we should do.” He added that it should not be forgotten.

He emphasized the need for the department to maintain its independence from the White House and Congress.

“We make this commitment not because independence is a constitutional necessity, but because it is the only way to ensure that law enforcement decisions are free from partisan influence.” said.

Many of Garland's comments appeared to be assurances to the career staff who will remain after the transition, a group he called the “heart and soul'' of the department,'' Garland told a crowd gathered in the Justice Department's Great Hall. During his speech, he repeatedly emphasized the importance of this in a choked voice. Pride in his department's employees.

“It is the duty of each of us to abide by the norm not only in easy times, but also in difficult times, especially in difficult times. It is the duty of each of us to abide by the norm at all times. “If the situation we are facing is not normal,” he said.

But much of it also appears to have been aimed at incoming Trump administration officials. The group includes three members of President-elect Trump's personal legal team and former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who helped Trump challenge the 2020 election results.

He emphasized the need to initiate investigations and prosecute only where there are appropriate grounds, and the need for the Ministry of Justice to maintain its independence.

“The Attorney General must ensure that this department pursues justice only with justice,” he later added.

These included calls for “respect for the integrity of career agents, lawyers, and staff,” as well as protections for press freedom.

The call came amid FBI director nominee Kash Patel threatening to “go after” journalists.

Garland also addressed criticism leveled at the department that it is politicized, often based on the investigation into Trump.

“For years, some have criticized the department for allowing politics to influence decision-making. That criticism often comes from people with opposing political views, each with the same set of facts. “They are making the exact opposite claims,” ​​he said. Said.

“The story that those on the outside are telling us about what happened inside this building is false. You have worked to pursue justice, not politics. That is the truth and that cannot be changed.”

Concerns over the future of the Justice Department came to the fore on Wednesday when Democratic lawmakers questioned Bondi about how he would respond to pressure from President Donald Trump over how the department uses its powers.

President Trump has sought retaliation against many of his opponents, raising concerns that he will once again put pressure on Justice Department officials to move forward with investigations against his opponents.

Bondi also declined to say whether he would appoint a special counsel to look into possible illegal actions by President Trump.

These concerns are echoed in recent polls, which show that Americans are “very” or “extremely” confident that the Justice Department will act fairly and nonpartisanly during President Trump's second term. That's only 2 out of 10 people.

However, the hearing was also a forum for Republicans to vent their frustrations with the Justice Department. They see the Justice Department as already being undermined by political elements that Democrats are concerned about.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) said, “You've been asked multiple times about the weaponization of the Department of Justice as if it were a theoretical possibility that might happen in the future. ,” Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) said during his speech. Hearing.

“We all know that under this administration we've seen a weaponization unlike anything we've ever seen in American history.”

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