Garland Defends Justice Department Against Attacks, Asserts to Lawmakers: ‘I Refuse to be Intimidated’

Attorney General Merrick Garland stood his ground against Republicans on Tuesday, denouncing what he called unprecedented attacks on the Justice Department. He told lawmakers threatening to hold him in contempt that he will not be swayed by intimidation.

Speaking before a House panel led by supporters of former President Donald Trump, Garland criticized the conspiracy theory claiming the Justice Department was involved in Trump’s state court prosecution in New York. Trump was convicted of 34 felony charges in that case.

Garland defended the independence and integrity of the Justice Department amidst ongoing criticism from Trump and his allies. Republicans have accused President Joe Biden of weaponizing the department to target Trump while Biden’s son, Hunter, faces federal charges in Delaware.

Garland labeled the claim of Justice Department involvement in the New York case against Trump as an attack on the judicial process itself. He also condemned Trump’s dangerous allegation that FBI agents who searched his Mar-a-Lago estate in August 2022 were prepared to use lethal force against him.

Declaring that the attacks on the Justice Department will not influence decision-making, Garland asserted, “I will not be intimidated. The Justice Department will continue to operate without political influence and will defend democracy without hesitation.”

Garland’s appearance came as Republicans moved to hold him in contempt for the administration’s refusal to release audio recordings of Biden’s interview with special counsel Robert Hur regarding handling of classified documents. The White House cited executive privilege in withholding the audio, stating that Republicans intended to manipulate the recording for political gain.

Garland informed lawmakers that the department’s priority is to protect the integrity of investigations and ensure cooperation from witnesses. Refusing to compromise ongoing and future investigations, he emphasized the importance of allowing prosecutors and agents to work effectively.

During the hearing, Rep. Jim Jordan criticized Garland for what he described as politically motivated decisions by law enforcement agencies. He highlighted the perceived double standard in the justice system, drawing attention to different outcomes in cases involving Trump and Biden.

Garland faced scrutiny from Rep. Matt Gaetz regarding records related to Trump’s recent conviction in New York, dismissing allegations of interference in the case. Despite encountering persistent questioning from both Republicans and Democrats, Garland maintained his stance on preserving the department’s independence and refrained from discussing specific investigations.