Garland

On September 14, 2023, Attorney General Merrick Garland released a comprehensive report detailing findings from investigations into multiple police departments across the United States. The report addressed patterns of misconduct, including racial profiling and excessive use of force, and included recommendations for reform to improve community-police relations. Garland reiterated the DOJ's commitment to holding law enforcement accountable and supporting police departments in implementing changes to enhance transparency, accountability, and respect for civil rights. The report was part of the DOJ's ongoing efforts to rebuild public trust and promote equitable policing practices.

On April 11, 2023, Attorney General Merrick Garland testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee regarding the Department of Justice's budget and policy priorities. In his testimony, Garland highlighted the DOJ's commitment to combatting domestic terrorism, protecting voting rights, and enforcing civil rights laws. He requested increased funding to support these initiatives, emphasizing the department's role in ensuring public safety and upholding democratic values. Garland also addressed questions about ongoing investigations and the DOJ's approach to tackling drug trafficking and violent crime. His testimony was a reaffirmation of the DOJ's mission to serve justice and safeguard American society.

On February 24, 2023, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the establishment of joint federal, state, and local task forces aimed at combatting drug trafficking and the opioid crisis. These strike forces will target high-impact areas known for drug activity and will coordinate efforts to dismantle drug networks. Garland's initiative is part of a broader DOJ strategy to address the nationwide epidemic of opioid addiction and overdose deaths. He stressed the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies to disrupt drug supply chains and reduce the availability of illegal narcotics in communities.

On January 3, 2023, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed a special counsel to investigate the discovery of classified documents at President Joe Biden's former office and home in Delaware. This appointment came after the White House confirmed that a small number of classified documents were found at an office Biden used after his vice presidency and at his private residence. Garland's decision to appoint a special counsel followed Department of Justice protocols for handling politically sensitive investigations. The probe aims to determine if there was any mishandling of sensitive information. This move underscores the impartiality and thoroughness expected of the DOJ under Garland's leadership.

On November 18, 2022, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed a special counsel to oversee investigations into former President Donald Trump. The special counsel was tasked with examining Trump's actions related to the January 6th Capitol attack and the handling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. Garland's appointment was designed to maintain impartiality and public trust in these high-profile investigations, given Trump's status as a former president and potential 2024 presidential candidate. The decision underscored Garland's dedication to apolitical oversight and ensuring accountability at the highest levels of government.

On October 27, 2022, United States Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that the Department of Justice was launching an antitrust investigation into Ticketmaster, the dominant player in live event ticketing. This announcement came in the wake of public outcry over the company's handling of ticket sales for Taylor Swift's anticipated Eras Tour, where fans faced system crashes and exorbitant prices due to dynamic pricing algorithms. The probe aims to determine whether Ticketmaster's predominant market position has led to anti-competitive practices that harm consumers and other stakeholders in the live event industry. The investigation reflects broader concerns about monopolistic behaviors in industries essential to the public, emphasizing the DOJ's commitment to fair competition.

On December 6, 2021, the Department of Justice, under Attorney General Merrick Garland, filed a lawsuit against the state of Texas over its newly drawn redistricting maps. The suit alleges the maps violate the Voting Rights Act by discriminating against minority voters. Garland stated that the maps were drawn with a discriminatory intent and that they diluted the voting strength of Latino and Black communities. This legal action is part of Garland's broader efforts to uphold voting rights across the United States and challenge state actions perceived as suppressive. The case reflects the DOJ's ongoing commitment to civil rights under Garland's leadership.

On June 15, 2021, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced a significant change in the Department of Justice's approach to enforcing the Voting Rights Act. Garland outlined a plan to double the number of enforcement staff in the DOJ's Civil Rights Division. The move was part of an effort to challenge new voting restrictions in multiple states which were perceived as attempts to disenfranchise minority voters. Garland emphasized the importance of protecting the right to vote as a cornerstone of democracy, vowing to use every available tool to combat unlawful restrictions. This action underlined Garland's commitment to civil rights and the DOJ's renewed focus on preserving electoral fairness.

On May 26, 2021, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced new measures to combat the rise of anti-Asian violence and hate crimes in the United States. In response to increasing incidents of harassment and violence against Asian Americans, Garland revealed plans to establish improved hate crime reporting mechanisms and provide additional resources to law enforcement agencies. Garland emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable communities and enforcing hate crime laws to ensure that acts of bias and discrimination are met with a strong legal response. This initiative reflects the DOJ's commitment to civil rights and protecting all citizens from hate-based violence.

On March 11, 2021, Merrick Garland was confirmed as the 86th Attorney General of the United States. His confirmation marked the end of a long journey, having previously been nominated to the Supreme Court in 2016 but blocked by Senate Republicans. Garland, a former federal prosecutor and judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, was confirmed by a 70-30 vote in the Senate. As Attorney General, Garland pledged to prioritize civil rights, combat domestic extremism, and restore the independence and integrity of the Justice Department. His confirmation was seen as a stabilizing force within the DOJ following years of tumultuous leadership.