Attorney General Merrick Garland has stated that he would resign if President Joe Biden asked him to take action against Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump. However, Garland believes that he will not be put in that position.
In an interview on CBS “60 Minutes,” Garland said, “I am sure that that will not happen, but I would not do anything in that regard. And if necessary, I would resign. But there is no sense that anything like that will happen.”
The Justice Department is currently involved in several high-profile cases, including investigations into Trump’s attempt to overturn the 2020 election, the mishandling of classified documents, cases related to Hunter Biden (Joe Biden’s son), the aftermath of the U.S. Capitol riot, and the discovery of classified documents in the president’s home and office. To handle these cases, Garland has appointed three separate special counsels.
Garland has chosen to speak conservatively about the ongoing cases and emphasized that he would not provide specific details. Nonetheless, he dismissed claims by Trump and his supporters that these cases were strategically timed to ruin his chances of running for president in 2024.
“Well, that’s absolutely not true. Justice Department prosecutors are nonpartisan. They don’t allow partisan considerations to play any role in their determinations,” Garland clarified.
Protecting the Integrity of the Investigation
Attorney General Garland recently addressed concerns regarding the impartiality of ongoing investigations. While addressing accusations that he was going easy on Hunter Biden, the President’s son, he emphasized that his approach was guided by one principle alone – following the facts and the law, and upholding the decisions mandated by the Constitution. Garland further emphasized that this principle applied universally, irrespective of political affiliations or personal connections.
A Commitment to Civil Liberties
Garland expressed his deep concern over the rise of violence in response to various legal proceedings. He specifically highlighted the threats and death threats faced by judges and prosecutors involved in cases related to the previous administration. The Attorney General passionately called for a rejection of violence as a means to sway outcomes.
He urged the American people to protect one another, emphasizing the importance of treating each other with civility, kindness, and respect. While diverse opinions and vigorous debate are welcomed, he stressed that violence and threats of violence have no place in a functioning democracy. Only by adhering to these values can our democratic principles endure.
