California Senator Adam Schiff changes tune on the Justice Department
Senator Adam Schiff, a once staunch defender of the Justice Department’s independence, has now issued a warning that it has become an ‘Orwellian’ tool for President Donald Trump and is ripe for political abuse. The California Democrat, who previously served as a federal prosecutor at the Justice Department, has long been an outspoken critic of Trump, using his positions in the House Oversight Committee and impeachment probes to advocate for a more independent-minded Justice Department.
In his previous statements, Schiff emphasized the importance of the rule of law and the idea that no one, not even the president, is above it. He defended the Justice Department as independent-minded and argued that its career officials operate above the political fray. However, in recent years, Schiff’s perspective has shifted drastically.
Now serving in the Senate, Schiff has become one of the most vocal critics of Trump’s efforts to influence the Justice Department to his liking. He has raised concerns about the current leadership of the Justice Department, pointing out that the top three officials all have ties to Trump. Schiff has accused Trump of ‘weaponizing’ the Justice Department against his political opponents, giving his officials the green light to use the department as a sword and shield.
Schiff has also criticized a Supreme Court decision that expanded the view of presidential immunity, giving the president more power to influence the Justice Department for political purposes. He has joined other Democrats in urging the administration to provide information about the removal or reassignment of career officials and FBI personnel.
Most recently, Trump attempted to strip security clearances and access to federal government buildings for employees of a law firm he views as opposed to his political agenda. A federal judge blocked this order, emphasizing that an American president is not a king and does not have absolute power to remove federal officers.
Schiff has expressed deep concern about the erosion of the division between the White House and the Justice Department, warning that we may be facing a constitutional crisis. His evolving views on the Justice Department reflect his belief that Trump has weaponized the department for his own political gain.
In a recent interview, Schiff emphasized the severity of the issue, stating, “We’ve had a debate about what level of constitutional crisis we’re in, and frankly, I think we’re already there.” As the debate over the politicization of the Justice Department continues, Schiff remains a vocal advocate for maintaining its independence and integrity.
