(FixThisNation.com) – AG Merrick Garland, who has not commented on former President Donald Trump’s indictment, did defend special counsel Jack Smith’s discretion after the prosecutor and the Department of Justice received multiple attacks.
Garland in his statement on Wednesday pointed out that Smith’s work reflected the obligation of the Justice Department to “independence and accountability.” As he said this commitment was the reason why he had appointed Smith as special counsel in November.
He proceeded to praise Smith, who he noted is a veteran career prosecutor, who has years of experience and has created a group of prosecutors that are committed to integrity and protecting the “rule of law.” He added that any questions regarding this case would be “answered by their filings.”
Garland’s remarks were brief, but they did mark his first public statement since last week’s indictment.
Trump made his first appearance at a federal court in Miami on Tuesday, where he pleaded not guilty on all 37 counts brought against him in connection to his alleged mishandling of classified materials. Following his arraignment he appeared at his golf club in Bedminster, N.J., where he spoke to his supporters.
During his speech, Trump attacked Smith, whom he referred to as a “thug” and stated that he was “deranged.” He proceeded to slam Smith’s track record stating that his career was connected to making “political hit jobs.”
Prior to working for the Department of Justice, Smith had been serving as a war crimes prosecutor at The Hague.
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