Andy McCarthy is a Fox News commentator and conservative legal analyst. He has raised concerns about the Department of Justice, under Pam Bondi‘s leadership as Attorney General. Bondi had been appointed by Donald Trump. McCarthy claims that Bondi’s actions could be interpreted as “partisan enforcement”, a charge which is taken seriously by respected figures in the conservative legal community.
The New DOJ Direction: Key concerns
McCarthy’s critique comes as recent DOJ decisions are under increasing scrutiny, especially Bondi’s directive for a review of the federal prosecution against Donald Trump. The DOJ is being overhauled in a larger effort, which Bondi has framed to be part of. Some critics argue that Trump has long claimed to be biased towards conservatives in the Justice Department. This initiative, they say, is consistent with his claims.
McCarthy’s Analysis: This is Not Restoring How the Justice Department Should Work
McCarthy has criticised the Bondi Directive and the recently created “weaponization work group” in his recent National Review column, “This is Not Restoring The Way the Justice Department Should Work.” McCarthy argues it mirrors exactly the behavior that is intended to be corrected. McCarthy writes, “Under the guise of ‘Restoring the Integrity and Credibility of the Department of Justice,’ the AG is implementing the Biden DOJ model of conviction first and trial later—if ever. Standing convicted are Trump’s principal prosecutorial nemeses—Biden DOJ special counsel Jack Smith, “Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and New York Attorney General Letitia James—and therefore guilty by association are any DOJ and FBI personnel who aided and abetted them. In what crimes, we’re not told—only that Bondi will be “provid[ing] Quarterly reports on progress to be submitted to White House.”
McCarthy acknowledges the potential for political motives in past DOJ decisions during Joe Biden’s presidency. However, McCarthy claims that Trump has committed “serious misconduct.” McCarthy warns against a negative perception of the “weaponization group”.
McCarthy stresses that Bondi has an ethical obligation to act in good faith when defending the conduct of government. He cautions that echoing Trump’s grievances, without contextualizing Departmental response to misconduct allegations would constitute “partisan law enforcement”, the exact problem Bondi is claiming to be addressing.
Bondi’s swearing in ceremony highlighted Bondi’s contention that the DOJ “targeted Trump”, leading to the creation of the “weaponization group.” The task force will investigate the former Special Counsel Jack Smith who was responsible for two criminal prosecutions against Trump. It will also examine alleged “improper investigation tactics and unethical prosecutor” in relation to the U.S. Capitol Riot of January 6, 2021.
Jack Smith focused his investigations on Trump’s role in the Capitol Riot and the mishandling alleged of classified documents by Trump after leaving the White House. Indictments followed, but the cases were eventually dismissed. The separate legal challenges such as Letitia’s civil fraud suit against Trump’s real estate firm and Alvin Bragg’s hush-money case involving Stormy Daniels have further fuelled accusations of political targetting.
Bondi’s statements and past actions, despite her assurances at her confirmation hearings that politics wouldn’t influence her decision-making process, have raised questions about the potential investigation of Trump’s political rivals.
Statements from Key Figures
- Andy McCarthy The weaponization directive does not remove politics from law-enforcement, but is a political act. Plainly, the “Weaponization Working Group” exists to settle the president’s scores and rewrite dark chapters of his history — while providing him with quarterly assurances of Attorney General Bondi’s progress on what is now the Justice Department’s core mission.”
- Pam Bondi “I’ll make America proud and you will be proud of me. I’ll restore the integrity of the Justice Department and fight violent crimes throughout America and around world. I’ll make America safe once again.”
- Donald Trump “I’m supposed to say she’s going to be totally impartial…I’m not sure if there’s a possibility of totally.”
- Robert Reich: Pam Bondi was a corporate lobbyist for many years before becoming our Attorney General. She represented scores of clients facing federal regulatory scrutiny—including Amazon, Uber, and GM. “Her conflicts of interest should have disqualified her.”
Look Ahead at Potential Results of the DOJ Review
Uncertainty remains about the precise outcome of “the weaponization working group”. This group does not appear to have any prosecutorial or coercive powers, like subpoenas.