By Matt Underwood Merrick Garland’s tenure as Attorney General is a catastrophic failure, eclipsing any concerns about Matt Gaetz’s potential appointment. Garland’s abject inaction in holding Donald Trump accountable for his actions leading up to and including the January 6th insurrection has irrevocably damaged American democracy. The slow-walking of investigations, the delayed appointment of a special counsel, and the overall lack of decisive action allowed Trump to not only escape consequences but also to regain a position of political power, threatening a potential return to the White House.
This isn’t simply a matter of differing political opinions; it’s a fundamental failure of the justice system. The evidence of Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election was undeniable and widely available. His pressure on election officials, his incitement of the Capitol riot, and his subsequent behavior all pointed to a deliberate attempt to undermine democratic processes. Yet, Garland remained inexplicably passive, allowing valuable time to slip away.
The delay in pursuing meaningful investigations enabled Trump’s narrative of political persecution to take hold amongst his supporters. This allowed a culture of denial and misinformation to flourish, further solidifying his base and making future accountability even more difficult. Garland’s supposed focus on appearing impartial only served to benefit Trump, whose delay tactics thrived in the slow pace of justice.
The lack of swift and decisive action from Garland sent a chilling message. It signaled a weakness in the face of a clear and present danger to democracy. This weakness emboldened not only Trump but also other potential actors who might consider similar actions in the future. The perception that such actions can be undertaken with impunity is incredibly dangerous.
Some argue that even a vigorous prosecution of Trump might not have been successful given his deep pockets and his ability to leverage the legal system for delay. While that’s a valid point, it ignores the fundamental duty of the Attorney General to pursue justice, even in the face of significant challenges. Garland’s apparent reluctance to engage fully undermines the very principles he was sworn to uphold.
The comparison to historical figures like Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, who at times acted decisively even in the face of legal or political hurdles, is telling. These leaders understood that sometimes extraordinary circumstances require extraordinary measures to protect the nation. Garland’s approach appears far too timid and reactive, lacking the necessary resolve to address a grave threat to American democracy.
The situation is further complicated by the actions of other individuals, including Mitch McConnell’s refusal to pursue a conviction in Trump’s second impeachment. These failures of leadership across multiple branches of government have created a climate of impunity, allowing those who seek to subvert democracy to flourish.
The argument that Garland’s inaction is solely responsible for Trump’s continued political viability is arguably an oversimplification. The complicity of other actors, the influence of partisan media, and the susceptibility of voters to misinformation all played a role. However, Garland’s failure to act decisively as the chief law enforcement officer of the nation is a significant, and perhaps the most prominent, factor in the current crisis.
Ultimately, Garland’s legacy as Attorney General is one of missed opportunity and profound failure. His lack of decisive action in holding Trump accountable has not only emboldened the former president but has also severely damaged the public’s trust in the justice system. The consequences of this failure are far-reaching and will likely continue to shape American politics for years to come. His perceived inaction, whether born of genuine indecisiveness or more sinister motivations, has had a devastating impact on the nation. Forget Matt Gaetz; the focus should remain firmly on Merrick Garland and the devastating consequences of his actions (or lack thereof).