Faith in DOJ plummets as Biden, pardoning Hunter, joins Trump in denouncing the department
Trust in our government institutions has reached an all-time low in recent years. From the FDA to the DOD, from Homeland Security to the health agencies, many Americans no longer have faith in the institutions that are meant to protect and serve them. The media, too, has come under fire for its perceived bias and inaccuracies when reporting on Washington. This lack of trust has been brewing for the past six decades, starting with the lies surrounding the Vietnam War and continuing through the Watergate scandal that led to Richard Nixon’s resignation.
One of the most sensitive federal agencies is the Justice Department, which includes the FBI. Donald Trump has been a vocal critic of these agencies, accusing them of politically targeting him. He campaigned on the idea that prosecutors and judges were out to get him simply because he was the frontrunner for the White House. On the other hand, Joe Biden, by breaking his promise not to pardon his son Hunter, has also undermined trust in the DOJ by alleging that his son was unfairly targeted.
As someone who used to cover the Justice Department, I can attest to the fact that it is supposed to be independent, with career prosecutors pursuing leads regardless of party affiliation. However, the recent attacks on the department from both Trump and Biden have raised questions about its impartiality. Trump’s choice of Kash Patel to run the FBI, in particular, has raised concerns about potential bias within the agency.
Patel has made inflammatory statements about shutting down the FBI’s headquarters and going after alleged conspirators in government and the media. His book, “Government Gangsters,” names a long list of individuals he considers part of the “deep state,” including both Democrats and Republicans. This enemies list includes former officials from both the Obama and Trump administrations, painting a picture of widespread corruption and malfeasance.
Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers have criticized Biden for his decision to pardon Hunter, with some calling it a betrayal of his promise to uphold the rule of law. Many feel that the pardon undermines faith in the justice system and sets a dangerous precedent. However, there are also voices within the party who have defended Biden’s decision as an act of compassion towards a father protecting his son.
The divide over Biden’s pardon reflects a larger issue of trust and transparency within our government institutions. Both Trump and Biden have accused the Justice Department of being biased and politically motivated, further eroding public confidence in the system. As we move forward, it is essential that we hold our leaders accountable and demand transparency and integrity in all aspects of government. Only then can we begin to rebuild trust in the institutions that are meant to serve us.
