WASHINGTON – On Thursday, Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that employees at the Justice Department have been increasingly subjected to bullying attacks over the past three and a half years. These attacks include conspiracy theories and direct threats of violence directed at them.

“It is dangerous to target and intimidate employees of this department simply because they are performing their duties,” Garland expressed in a speech to the staff. “It is completely outrageous that you must endure these baseless accusations while upholding the law and doing what is right.”

He also mentioned that the department has revitalized its protocols to ensure it remains free from political interference.

While Garland did not provide specific examples, he referred to the difficult time the department faced when he assumed leadership, particularly when its senior staff considered resigning due to pressure from former President Donald Trump. Trump had pushed for unfounded investigations into supposed widespread fraud in the 2020 election, which officials deemed to be without merit.

Trump has labeled Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, who brought charges against him related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election and his handling of classified materials, as a “thug” conducting “political hit jobs.” Judge Tanya Chutkan has prohibited Trump from referring to Smith using derogatory terms, asserting that it was inappropriate to target individuals involved in the case.

Both Judge Chutkan and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who is prosecuting Trump in Georgia for election-related offenses, have received threats on their lives following Trump’s remarks about them.

Trump has also suggested that if elected president again, he would pursue legal action against his political adversaries.

“WHEN I WIN, those who CHEATED will face prosecution to the fullest extent of the Law, which may include lengthy prison sentences, ensuring this miscarriage of justice does not recur,” Trump stated in a post on Truth Social.

Garland’s comments come amid rising threats against public officials. Recently, a gunman was shot and killed while attempting to breach the FBI’s office in Cincinnati.

To reinforce trust in the department’s independence, Garland has updated and reinforced policies to maintain its separateness from political influences:

• Regulating interactions between DOJ and the White House and Congress.
• Enhancing guidelines for delicate FBI investigations. The FBI has revised its training and policies following criticisms regarding its surveillance tactics.
• Enforcing corrective actions to adhere to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The department has revamped its surveillance warrants and training after a problematic investigation involving a Trump campaign aide.
• Revising protections for journalists within law enforcement investigations.

“Our standards affirm that we will not permit this department to be misused as a political tool,” Garland asserted. “They ensure that we refuse to let this nation become one where law enforcement is utilized as a political apparatus.”