During a recent press conference, Attorney General Merrick Garland faced inquiries from reporters seeking clarification on his involvement in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s indictment of former President Donald Trump. Garland, as the head of the Justice Department, oversaw Smith’s investigation, prompting questions about his decision not to intervene in the indictment process.
One off-camera reporter asked Garland when he became aware that the special counsel was heading towards issuing the indictment and why he chose not to intervene. Garland responded by stating that he cannot discuss the specifics of ongoing criminal matters. He emphasized the Justice Department’s commitment to both independence and accountability, highlighting that he appointed Mr. Smith, who is an experienced career prosecutor. Garland mentioned that Smith has assembled a team of talented prosecutors and agents who share a dedication to integrity and the rule of law. He directed any inquiries about the matter to the court filings made by Smith and his team.
Following up, another reporter pressed Garland for a clearer understanding of his role in the indictment process and requested a specific explanation for the benefit of the American public. Garland refrained from providing detailed information and simply stated that his role has been entirely consistent with the responsibilities outlined in the special counsel regulations. He assured that he followed those regulations accordingly.
Garland’s responses indicated that he was bound by legal and procedural limitations in addressing the reporters’ questions. As the attorney general overseeing the Justice Department, he emphasized the importance of upholding independence and accountability while acknowledging the expertise and integrity of Special Counsel Jack Smith and his team. The details and intricacies of his involvement in the indictment process will likely be revealed through the court filings submitted by the special counsel’s office.
“When did you find out the special counsel was headed down this track? And why did you choose not to stop him as was in your power?” an off-camera reporter asked.
“So, as you know, I can’t talk about the particular particulars of this or any other ongoing criminal matter. As I said when I pointed out, Mr. Smith, I did so because it underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to both independence and accountability,” Garland replied, adding Smith was responsible for Donald Trump’s arrest:
Mr. Smith is a veteran career prosecutor. He has assembled a group of experienced and talented prosecutors and agents who share his commitment to integrity and the rule of law. Any questions about this matter will have to be answered by their filings in court.
After another question, Garland was asked, “Can you give the American public a very clear sense of what exactly your role was in the indictment process, just so people can understand what that role is?”
He said his “role has been completely consistent with the regulations that set forth the responsibilities of the attorney general under the special counsel regulations, and I followed those regulations.
