Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order mandating a comprehensive investigation into alleged misconduct at the Justice Department during the Biden administration. The directive, signed on Monday, aims to "correct past misconduct" and set priorities for Trump's potential second term. It specifically targets what he describes as the "weaponization of the federal government" and "government censorship of speech."
The order instructs the Attorney General to conduct an exhaustive review of actions taken by the Biden administration over the past four years. This review will culminate in a final report that will detail any findings of misconduct. By tasking the Attorney General with this responsibility, Trump seeks to harness the Justice Department's power to pursue his personal grievances and political agenda.
In an effort to minimize political interference, the investigations will be conducted outside of the White House. This approach may involve career attorneys at the Justice Department, thereby providing an air of impartiality and professionalism to the proceedings. However, critics view this move as another instance of Trump using the Justice Department to further his interests, a pattern observed during his first term.
During his initial presidency, Trump frequently directed the Justice Department to investigate matters of personal interest. A notable example was the dismissal of James Comey as FBI director in 2017, justified by a memo from then Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. Trump's new order is perceived as an extension of this approach, aiming to use prosecutorial power to shape his political landscape.
"third-world weaponization of prosecutorial power to upend the democratic process" – Donald Trump
Trump's rhetoric has consistently attacked criminal prosecutions related to allegations of mishandling classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. He has vowed to dismiss Special Counsel Jack Smith "in two seconds" should he return to office, underscoring his intent to leverage executive power to address these issues.
The directive represents a strategic move by Trump to mobilize the Justice Department in support of his objectives for a potential second term. It underscores his determination to investigate what he perceives as injustices committed by the previous administration. By focusing on alleged governmental overreach and censorship, Trump aims to rally his base and reinforce his narrative of government impartiality under his leadership.
While the order sets a clear path for Trump's priorities, it also raises questions about the independence of the Justice Department under his influence. The involvement of career attorneys in the investigations could lend credibility, but past experiences suggest a risk of politicization. The extent to which these investigations will substantiate claims of misconduct remains uncertain.