Attorney General Merrick Garland is appearing before the House Judiciary Committee for an oversight hearing following a vote to advance a contempt of Congress resolution against him for defying a request for audio recordings from the federal probe into President Biden’s handling of classified records. The Justice Department cited executive privilege as the reason for not complying with the congressional subpoena for the recording, arguing that handing it over would risk chilling future investigations. Garland is expected to push back against the contempt resolution, emphasizing that he will not be intimidated and that the Justice Department will continue to do its job free from political influence.
The special counsel appointed by Garland to lead the probe did not charge President Biden but criticized his handling of classified records. House Republicans have alleged that Biden’s invocation of executive privilege is an attempt to conceal potentially incriminating information. There are other special counsels appointed by Garland, including one investigating former President Trump’s actions related to the 2020 election and handling of classified records. Hunter Biden, the president’s son, is also facing charges brought by another special counsel. Both Trump and Hunter Biden have denied any wrongdoing and accused the Justice Department of allowing politics to influence the probes, claims that Garland has rejected.
Garland is expected to address the threats and attacks against the Justice Department’s public servants, including recent conspiracy theories suggesting the department’s involvement in Trump’s conviction in New York. He will emphasize that these attacks are unfounded and will not influence the department’s decision-making. FBI Director Christopher Wray is also expected to address threats to public safety and national security during his testimony before Congress. Wray has previously warned of increased threats against agents and facilities, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Special counsel Jack Smith has asked a federal judge to limit former President Trump’s public comments after he made false claims about FBI agents being authorized to shoot him. Smith argued that Trump’s statements posed a significant danger to law enforcement agents. The FBI has stated that they followed standard protocol during a search at Trump’s residence and emphasized that there was no departure from normal procedures. Both Garland and Wray are likely to emphasize the importance of protecting public servants and upholding the rule of law during their testimonies before Congress. The hearings will highlight the challenges faced by the Justice Department in a politically charged environment.
