Attorney General Merrick Garland addresses career prosecutors in New York as his tenure at the Department of Justice draws to a close.
According to CNN, Garland delivered his first public remarks since President-elect Donald Trump named former Representative Matt Gaetz as his choice to lead the Justice Department, emphasizing the crucial role of career prosecutors in upholding the rule of law.
In his address at the Southern District of New York, Garland highlighted the importance of the department's career lawyers, whom he described as the institutional backbone of the DOJ. His comments came amid growing concerns about potential changes in department leadership and direction under the incoming administration.
The selection of Matt Gaetz as the next Attorney General has sent shockwaves through the Justice Department's ranks. Gaetz, known for his criticism of the department, has previously characterized it as being infiltrated by "deep state" elements opposing Trump. His appointment has raised concerns among DOJ officials about potential staff departures, either voluntary or through forced removals of those deemed insufficiently loyal to the incoming administration.
Garland, speaking to the prosecutors, delivered a message that stood in stark contrast to the rhetoric of both his predecessor and likely successor. His words carried particular weight given the department's recent handling of high-profile cases involving both Republican and Democratic figures, including investigations of Trump and the corruption case against Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey.
In his address, Garland emphasized the enduring mission of the Justice Department. He stated:
I may be coming to the end of my tenure at the Justice Department, but I know that all of you will continue in the department's mission – what has always been its mission – to uphold the rule of law, keep our country safe and to protect civil rights.
The approach to career prosecutors has varied significantly among recent Attorneys General. William Barr, who served under Trump, had previously criticized the traditional deference given to career employees. During his tenure, Barr intervened in politically sensitive cases, including those involving Roger Stone and General Mike Flynn, often overruling career prosecutors' recommendations.
This historical tension between political appointees and career staff has been a recurring theme in the department's recent history. Barr's previous statements reflected this divide when he said:
Letting the most junior members set the agenda might be a good philosophy for a Montessori preschool, but it's no way to run a federal agency.
Garland's current nationwide tour of U.S. attorneys' offices represents a traditional practice among Attorneys General, though he won't complete visits to all 94 districts before his departure. The tour includes the newest district covering Guam and the North Mariana Islands.
Garland's statements to career prosecutors reflect his efforts to preserve the department's institutional integrity during a period of anticipated change. His praise for career staff members highlighted their role as the department's "historical memory" and emphasized their importance in maintaining continuity across administrations.
The impending transition raises questions about the future direction of the Justice Department under Gaetz's leadership. The contrast between Garland's emphasis on institutional stability and Gaetz's calls for systemic change suggests a potential shift in departmental culture and priorities.
These developments occur as the department continues to handle numerous sensitive investigations and cases, maintaining its dual role in law enforcement and the protection of civil rights.
Merrick Garland's address to career prosecutors at the Southern District of New York marked a significant moment in the Justice Department's transition period, as President-elect Trump's nomination of Matt Gaetz signals a potential shift in departmental direction and culture. The Attorney General's final tour and messages to U.S. attorneys' offices emphasize the crucial role of career prosecutors in maintaining the department's mission to uphold the rule of law, even as questions arise about the future approach to justice under new leadership.
