Staff Reports
In the saga of federal agencies, the Department of Justice (DOJ) seems to have morphed into this massive, untamable beast that’s not easily swayed by any incoming hero – or attorney general, for that matter. Brett Tolman, a Justice Department veteran, shared his experiences and frustrations with the inner workings of the DOJ. Once upon a time, it seems there was a grand plan, crafted by former US attorneys and high-ranking officials like Brett himself. This plan was supposed to streamline the DOJ and align it with the administration’s priorities. Alas, the plan was not followed. It became a case of “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.”
For those unfamiliar with the way the DOJ operates, Brett provided insight that’s as clear as day. Central to the problem, he explained, is the DAG’s office – the Deputy Attorney General. This office has become a power hub, absorbing more and more influence over time, kind of like one of those sci-fi movies where AI starts to consume everything in its path. Picture the Department of Justice growing ever more powerful and politically skewed while many well-meaning folks within lose their voice.
The numbers are telling too. With over 100,000 employees, an overwhelming 90% of the DOJ’s campaign donations have traditionally gone to Democrats. For incoming leaders who aren’t savvy to this landscape, implementing the president’s priorities can feel like walking into an ambush every day. Instead of calling it quits and shaking fists in frustration, Brett believes change is possible. It will just take two strong, aligned people at the top – the AG and the DAG – to make it happen.
A key part of this seemingly simple equation is that whoever takes on the role of attorney general should also have a say in picking their deputy. In past escapades, this hasn’t always been the case, leading to misalignment and making the path to reform more like trudging through quicksand. With the right people working hand-in-hand, Brett is certain the DOJ could experience a turnaround as significant as shifts seen in other federal agencies.
One significant myth that Brett sought to demystify is the notion that the DOJ must act as an independent fourth branch of government. He affirmed quite the opposite: the DOJ is part of the executive branch and meant to follow presidential directives. For too long, the media and leftist narratives have championed the idea that the DOJ should operate independently, fostering its development into a powerful, self-operating entity. But Brett, like many conservative thinkers, pushes back against this notion, underscoring that the attorney general executing the president’s priorities is not only appropriate but essential for maintaining true alignment within government operations. So, while the challenges are many, the path to a revitalized DOJ – one that serves the people rather than its own interests – is not yet lost.
