In a controversial move, the Department of Justice, led by Attorney General Merrick Garland, has decided not to prosecute its own leader after he was held in contempt by the House of Representatives.
The contempt charge stems from Garland’s refusal to release audio recordings of an interview between President Joe Biden and Special Counsel Robert Hur, which were withheld from the public after Biden invoked “executive privilege.”
The House of Representatives voted to hold Garland in contempt this week by a vote of 208-207.
Some records of the interview were previously released, revealing that President Biden was described as an “elderly man with a poor memory,” though Biden was able to block the full release of the records to the public.
I do not have faith in the DOJ, and I don't think the American people do either. My inherent contempt motion would give Congress the authority to go and get Garland and compel him to hand over the recordings. Garland is not above the law, and neither is the DOJ. pic.twitter.com/ntWhGOmsct
— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) June 14, 2024
The decision to withhold the audio recordings has raised concerns about transparency and accountability within the Biden administration.
Despite the contempt charge, the DOJ has defended Garland’s actions, stating that the audio recordings were protected by executive privilege. However, critics argue that the refusal to prosecute Garland sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the rule of law.
A spokesperson for JimJordan criticized the Justice Department’s move Friday, saying, “The rule of law for thee, but not for me.”
The situation has further strained relations between the Biden administration and the Republican-led House of Representatives, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability from the executive branch.
As the investigation into the Biden-Hur interview continues, the public remains divided on the DOJ’s decision not to prosecute Garland.
