This week, President Donald Trump made a concerning statement when he was interviewed by Univision’s Jorge Ramos about his potential use of the FBI and Department of Justice (DoJ) to protect himself from political rivals.
Trump was asked whether he would use the FBI and DoJ as a “weapon” against his enemies, and he answered: “I have the absolute right to do what I want to do with the Justice Department.”
This statement is alarming because it implies an unprecedented level of executive control over the federal law enforcement agencies. According to experts on this issue, it is not only a violation of the law to abuse the powers of the FBI and DoJ for personal gain, but it could also intimidate those who are supposed to be impartial in their investigation of criminal and administrative matters.
In response to Trump’s remarks, a number of legal and government organizations have spoken out against the potential misuse of government power. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) pointed out that the executive branch lacks the authority to use these agencies for personal gain, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) expressed their “grave concern” over the statement.
The FBI and DoJ are the pillars of our nation’s justice system. It is incumbent upon each and every one of us to ensure that their power is only used to protect the Constitution and uphold the law. It is possible and even necessary to challenge the president’s words to ensure that the Department of Justice remains an impartial arbiter of justice.
Weaponize the White House: Trump’s Threat to Unleash FBI, DOJ Against Enemies
