Garland denounces “dangerous falsehoods” and conspiracy theories against the Justice Department

WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Merrick Garland will denounce “conspiracy theories” and “dangerous untruths” In a speech to staff on Thursday, he attacked the Justice Department and vigorously pushed back against Republican claims that the department was being politicized.

In his speech to U.S. prosecutors and other members of the Justice Department gathered in Washington, Garland will vigorously defend the department's integrity and impartiality and condemn what he calls “outrageous” attacks that have put law enforcement at risk.

“These attacks have taken the form of conspiracy theories, dangerous falsehoods, attempts to intimidate and intimidate officials through repeated and public denigration, and threats of actual violence,” Garland will say in his speech in the Great Hall of Justice Department headquarters, according to prepared remarks provided to reporters.

“Through your continued work, you have made clear that the Department of Justice will not be intimidated by these attacks. But it is dangerous – and outrageous – that you must endure them.”

It is the attorney general's latest broadside against allegations that his department was politically exploited under the Biden administration to prosecute former President Donald Trump, who was indicted by a special counsel appointed by Garland. two separate criminal proceedings.

Garland does not mention Trump or Republicans in the excerpts. Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, has repeatedly accused prosecutors of bringing politically motivated criminal cases against him. Republicans have also falsely claimed that the New York criminal case in which Trump was convicted in 34 cases of serious crimes in May was orchestrated by Biden and the Justice Department.

During the testimony before a House of Representatives committee in JuneGarland told lawmakers that he would not be “intimidated” by the attacks on his department and would continue to work “free from political influence.”

Garland took office promising to restore the department's reputation as a politically independent state after four tumultuous years under Trump. But Garland faced a barrage of criticism over his department's handling of politically sensitive cases, including the prosecution of Hunter, the son of Democratic President Joe Biden. who pleaded guilty last week for federal tax fees in a proceeding brought by another special counsel.

In his speech, Garland will say that the department's employees have made it clear through their work that they “will not bow to politics” and that they “will not crumble under pressure.”

“The decisions you make in every investigation, in every filing, in every trial, and in everything you do to ensure the fair and impartial application of the law make this Department and our democracy worthy of the public we serve,” Garland will say, according to his prepared speech. “And for that, you deserve respect.”