Attorney General Merrick Garland defends the language used by special counsel Robert Hur in his report on President Joe Biden’s handling of classified documents, emphasizing the importance of transparency and adhering to established regulations.
Attorney General Garland’s Defense of Special Counsel’s Language
Attorney General Merrick Garland has responded to criticism regarding the language used by special counsel Robert Hur in his report on President Joe Biden’s handling of classified documents. In the report, Hur described Biden’s memory as ‘significantly limited’ during interviews conducted by the special counsel’s office and a ghostwriter working on Biden’s memoirs.
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During a news conference on Thursday, Garland addressed the criticism, stating that he had not received any objections from the White House. He emphasized that President Biden had expressed his intention to restore the independence and integrity of the Justice Department, and Garland believed that was the president’s continued intention.
When asked if he believed Hur used appropriate language to characterize Biden’s mental state, Garland reiterated his commitment to making reports from special counsels public. He emphasized that this approach was consistent with regulations and precedents that require special counsels to fully disclose the reasoning behind their decisions. Garland dismissed the notion that an attorney general should intervene to alter the language in a special counsel’s report, calling it ‘absurd.’
Criticism and Controversy Surrounding Hur’s Report
The report by Hur drew criticism from the White House and Democrats, who disagreed with his assessment of Biden’s handling of classified documents. While Hur did not recommend prosecution, he stated that Biden’s practices posed serious risks to national security. Hur also noted that Biden presented himself as an elderly man with a poor memory during interviews with investigators.
Republicans were quick to seize on Hur’s descriptions, using them to question Biden’s fitness for office. However, Biden promptly defended himself against the claims, stating, ‘My memory’s fine.’
Garland’s Commitment to Independence and Integrity
Attorney General Garland’s response underscores his commitment to upholding the independence and integrity of the Justice Department. He maintains that the attorney general should not interfere with the language used in a special counsel’s report, allowing for transparency and adherence to established regulations and precedents. The controversy surrounding Hur’s report highlights the ongoing political scrutiny faced by the Biden administration, as opponents seek to challenge the president’s credibility.
