NEW RESPECT: Attorney General Merrick Garland earns meme alter ego after standing up to Trump

NEW RESPECT: Attorney General Merrick Garland earns meme alter ego after standing up to Trump

After Attorney General Merrick Garland gave a rare press briefing on Thursday to debunk criticisms from the right that his signing off on the FBI search warrant execution on former president Donald Trump’s Mar-A-Lago estate was politically motivated, the internet was here for it.

After facing scrutiny for what many considered to be a lackadaisical approach to investigating and prosecuting the former president in his multitude of crimes, Garland’s forceful counterpunch was a welcome sight for many.

Social media wasted no time applauding Garland’s aggressive and matter-of-fact assertion that the Department of Justice was not backing down in the wake of criticism and was continuing to be intent on doing its job.

https://twitter.com/sunkist111/status/1556793320990543873?s=20&t=8s0JURpOig43KSwLB65pjg

Not known for desiring the spotlight, Garland addressed right-wing attempts to slander the Attorney General, the FBI, and their offices with the claim that the search warrant executed on Mar-A-Lago last Monday was politically motivated. Garland condemned the lies and gaslighting by Trump and his allies.

“The search warrant was authorized by a federal court upon the required finding of probable cause. The property receipt is a document that federal law requires law enforcement agents to leave with the property owner. The department filed the motion to make public the warrant and receipt in light of the former president’s public confirmation with the search, the surrounding circumstances and the substantial public interest in this matter,” Garland said.

Garland pushed back on criticisms of the Dept.’s professionalism and calls for violence from MAGA, saying that “the rule of law is the bedrock principle of the Justice Department and of our democracy.”

“Third, let me address recent unfounded attacks on the professionalism of the FBI and Justice Department agents and prosecutors. I will not stand by silently when their integrity is unfairly attacked. The men and women of the FBI and the Justice Department are dedicated, patriotic public servants. Every day, they protect the American people from violent crime, terrorism, and other threats to their safety, while safeguarding our civil rights. They do so at great personal sacrifice and risk to themselves. I am honored to work alongside them,” the Attorney General stated.

As Trump and his allies continue to push false narratives and slander the attorney general, it appears as if Garland is done with silently suffering their slings and arrows – and America is here for it.

Follow Ty Ross on Twitter @cooltxchick

Ty Ross

News journalist for Washington Press and Occupy Democrats.