Merrick Garland on Trump Election Case: Speedy Trial, Political Targeting Concerns
In a CNN interview, Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the importance of a “speedy trial” in the election subversion case against Donald Trump, while addressing allegations of political targeting of Trump by the Justice Department.
Garland’s Support for Speedy Trial
Garland concurred with Special Counsel Jack Smith’s assertion that the “public interest requires a speedy trial” in the 2020 election case, currently set for trial in March in Washington, DC. He stressed that the matter is now in the hands of the trial judge to determine the exact timing of the trial.
Defense Against Allegations of Election Interference
Garland defended the Justice Department’s actions, highlighting that the cases against Trump were brought last year and that prosecutors have urged speedy trials. He emphasized that the judicial system, not the Justice Department, handles the cases. Garland underscored that the special prosecutors involved followed the facts and the law and brought cases when they were ready.
Concerns about Perception of Political Prosecution
Garland acknowledged public concerns about the perception of political prosecution. He emphasized that the department’s actions and the outcomes of the cases should demonstrate that politics is not a factor in their decisions.
Status of Federal Criminal Case
The federal criminal case related to Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results has been put on hold while a dispute over his claim of presidential immunity winds through the appeals process. It remains uncertain whether this case or the three other criminal cases pending against Trump will go to trial before the 2024 election.
Use of Special Counsels
Garland defended his use of special counsels to lead several investigations into Trump, President Joe Biden, and Biden’s son, Hunter. He argued that regulations are in place to ensure the independence of investigators and to keep politics out of the process.
Conclusion
Garland expressed hope that the public will recognize the non-political nature of the investigations and their outcomes based on the department’s actions and the way in which the special counsels have proceeded. He emphasized the importance of following the facts and the law to ensure justice is served.