Staff Reports
Former President Donald Trump has spoken out about who he believes is actually running the show at the Department of Justice (DOJ), and it’s not Attorney General Merrick Garland. According to Trump, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco is the one pulling the strings. In an exclusive interview with Breitbart News, Trump described Monaco as running the Justice Department “rather viciously and rather illegally.” He predicts that her true role will be revealed in the next year and a half.
Exclusive — Donald Trump: Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco is ‘Really Running the Justice Department’ https://t.co/dM5JK08rzN
— SamanthaJBryant (@SamanthaJBryan1) January 10, 2024
Trump also noted that Monaco is “very friendly” with Andrew Weissman, who was a top official in Robert Mueller’s investigation into Trump. Weissman is now in the private sector. Trump believes that Weissman is Monaco’s boss and suffers from “major Trump Derangement Syndrome.” Trump pointed out that these individuals have been after him for seven years but have not been successful.
Monaco previously served as a Homeland Security adviser to former President Barack Obama and had a close relationship with Susan Rice, who was Obama’s national security adviser. It has been widely discussed among Republicans that Monaco plays a significant role in the decisions made at the DOJ. One former congressman even suggested that Monaco’s involvement in the DOJ’s decision-making may be more extensive than it appears.
Garland, who was appointed by Biden as attorney general, has faced controversy during his time in the role, particularly surrounding the politicization of the DOJ. He allowed investigations and prosecutions into Trump to continue, which has drawn criticism. Garland publicly stated that he personally authorized the FBI raid at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Florida residence.
Monaco, on the other hand, has defended the Justice Department against Trump’s allegations of weaponization and politicization. She stated that these claims have no basis in reality and that the Justice Department is made up of dedicated professionals who work impartially regardless of who is in power.
Monaco’s role in the DOJ and the politicization of law enforcement have become subjects of investigation by congressional committees. Rep. Jim Jordan sought a briefing from Monaco on Special Counsel John Durham’s findings regarding the FBI’s targeting of Trump. As more documents and testimony are uncovered, Monaco’s decision-making and Garland’s actual authority within the DOJ may become central issues in the 2024 presidential campaign if Trump becomes the GOP nominee.
