Merrick Garland Delivers Farewell Speech at DOJ

In his farewell address, outgoing Attorney General Merrick Garland reflected on his four years leading the Justice Department, emphasizing the importance of independence and the rule of law amidst ongoing political scrutiny from President-elect Donald Trump. Garland rebuked claims of political motivations within the department, asserting that the agency's work focused solely on pursuing justice. He highlighted significant achievements, including over 1,500 prosecutions related to the January 6 Capitol attack, and expressed pride in the dedication of his staff. As Trump prepares to take office with Pam Bondi as his nominee for Attorney General, concerns remain about the potential erosion of the department's impartiality. Senators have questioned Bondi's commitment to maintaining the Justice Department's independence, given Trump's past criticisms and dismissals of former attorneys general. Garland's poignant farewell serves as a reminder of the challenges facing the department in the current political climate.