Biden's regret: Picking Merrick Garland as Attorney General backfires
- President Biden wanted the DOJ to prosecute Trump more aggressively and swiftly than it did.
- Biden has voiced regrets about choosing Merrick Garland due to concerns over the Justice Department's pace.
- The decision to appoint Garland has led to significant discussions within the Democratic Party about its implications.
President Joe Biden's administration has faced significant scrutiny over its approach to prosecuting former President Donald Trump. Reports indicate that in private conversations, Biden expressed dissatisfaction with the Justice Department's progress under Attorney General Merrick Garland, stating he wanted a more aggressive and timely prosecution of Trump for alleged election interference and mishandling of classified documents. At the same time, Biden has raised concerns about the Justice Department's perceived aggressiveness towards his son, Hunter Biden. During the 2020 presidential transition, the choice of attorney general became a contentious issue, with key advisors presenting differing viewpoints. Ron Klain, Biden's chief of staff, advocated for Garland, emphasizing his independence and integrity as a federal judge. However, some of Biden's close aides preferred former Senator Doug Jones, believing he would better navigate the partisan landscape. As criticism of Garland’s leadership has mounted, Democrats have voiced frustration that had the DOJ pursued Trump's alleged offenses more aggressively, it could have impacted his political standing ahead of the elections. The debate continues, with some attributing the slow pace of actions to procedural hurdles and the role of judges associated with Trump. This situation highlights the delicate balance Biden aims to maintain between respecting the DOJ's independence and addressing political concerns surrounding Trump. With Garland's ongoing tenure, the ramifications of Biden’s regret over his appointment could resonate through both his administration and the future of the Justice Department’s integrity.