Uvalde, Texas (CNN) — Attorney General Merrick Garland has expressed his support for a speedy trial of Donald Trump in the election subversion case as the 2024 election approaches. Garland addressed allegations that his department is targeting the former president for political reasons during an interview with CNN.
Speaking about the upcoming trial scheduled for March in Washington, DC, Garland stated that he agrees with special counsel Jack Smith’s assertion that a speedy trial is in the public interest. He added that it is now up to the trial judge to determine the trial’s timing.
Garland also defended the Justice Department against claims of election interference, emphasizing that the federal cases against Trump were brought last year. He highlighted that the prosecutors have been urging for speedy trials and that the cases are now in the hands of the judicial system. Garland emphasized that the special prosecutors followed the facts and the law in bringing the cases when they believed they were ready.
When asked about concerns regarding political motivations behind the prosecution of Trump, Garland acknowledged the issue, stating, Of course it concerns me. He emphasized the need to demonstrate through their actions that they are following the law and the facts.
The federal criminal case related to Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results remains on hold due to a dispute over Trump’s claim of presidential immunity, which is currently being appealed. It is uncertain whether this case or the other three pending criminal cases against Trump, who is also a GOP presidential front-runner, will go to trial before the 2024 election.
Garland also defended his use of special counsels to lead investigations into various figures, including Trump, President Joe Biden, and Biden’s son, Hunter. He argued that regulations ensure the independence of investigators and expressed hope that the public will see their efforts as free from political influence based on the outcomes of these cases.
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