By Steve Neavling
President Joe Biden has privately expressed regret over his decision to appoint Merrick Garland as attorney general, sources familiar with the matter told The Washington Post.
Biden has reportedly criticized the Justice Department under Garland for its perceived slow pace in prosecuting former President Donald Trump and for its aggressive pursuit of charges against Biden’s son, Hunter.
The decision to appoint Garland was not without contention during the 2020 presidential transition. Longtime Biden allies, including former Sen. Ted Kaufman and Mark Gitenstein, advocated for then-Senator Doug Jones, D-Ala., to lead the department. They argued that Jones’ political background would better position him to navigate the deeply partisan landscape.
However, Ron Klain, Biden’s incoming chief of staff, pushed for Garland. Klain argued that the former federal judge’s reputation for impartiality and fairness would help restore confidence in a Justice Department battered by allegations of political interference during Trump’s presidency.
Biden ultimately sided with Klain, but some Democrats now believe the decision has had far-reaching consequences. Critics contend that delays in prosecuting Trump for allegedly attempting to overturn the 2020 election and mishandling classified documents have allowed the former president to avoid potentially damaging legal battles ahead of the 2024 election.
Others point to the role of the Supreme Court and a Trump-appointed judge in Florida for slowing progress in these cases.
The Justice Department declined to comment on the criticism. The White House also declined requests by The Washington Post for an interview with the president.
Garland definitely was asleep on the job on this one. Trump should have been brought to trial 2 years earlier.