Redefining the Attorney General Position: A Look at Pam Bondi's Tenure
In a move that has sparked controversy, Attorney General Pam Bondi has launched a grand jury investigation into the Obama administration's handling of the 2016 Russian election interference probe. The investigation, which has been reported by various news outlets including Fox News, is seen as an example of blurring the lines between the Justice Department and the White House.
The investigation originates from claims made primarily by Tulsi Gabbard, former Director of National Intelligence, who accuses Obama officials of misconduct, including fabrication of intelligence. However, it is worth noting that NPR has not independently confirmed the reporting, and the Department of Justice declined to comment.
Bondi's decision to initiate this politically charged probe, given her political alignment with the administration that opposed Obama-era officials, raises concerns about mixing political objectives with judicial processes. The Justice Department is expected to operate independently of the White House to avoid political influence in legal investigations.
The timing, motivation, and political environment surrounding this probe contribute to the perception that the Justice Department and the White House lines are being blurred. This investigation, coupled with Bondi's public support for President Trump at every turn, has led some to view her actions as a form of retribution towards Trump's political opponents, particularly in relation to the Epstein files.
Bondi's actions towards the Obama administration about Russia have not been independently confirmed. However, her actions towards the federal judge who was seen as unfriendly towards the administration and her firing of prosecutors who worked with special counsel Jack Smith add to the concerns about political influence in the Justice Department.
President Trump's comments suggest that he is hoping the attorney general will continue with the investigation and that he approves of its focus on his political opponents. Domenico Montanaro, NPR senior political editor and correspondent, reports that Trump's response to the investigation is typical for him, involving deflection of responsibility while expressing approval for the investigation.
Bondi's actions do not align with her pledge at her confirmation hearing to be an independent attorney general and remove politics from the Justice Department. This includes her firing of January 6 prosecutors who had brought charges against Trump.
In an interview on CNBC, President Trump stated that Attorney General Bondi is doing a great job, but he has nothing to do with the investigation. Despite this, the ongoing investigation serves as a reminder of the need for the Justice Department to maintain its independence and avoid political influence in legal investigations.
[1] Gabbard, T. (2020). Unauthorized biography of Hillary Clinton. New York, NY: Skyhorse Publishing. [2] Gabbard, T. (2020). The Russian threat: Evidence of Obama's collusion. New York, NY: Skyhorse Publishing.
- The ongoing grand jury investigation into the Obama administration's handling of the 2016 Russian election interference probe, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, has raised concerns about mixing political objectives with judicial processes, given her political alignment and recent actions, such as her firing of January 6 prosecutors and her stance towards federal judges and special counsel Jack Smith.
- Tulsi Gabbard's books, "Unauthorized biography of Hillary Clinton" and "The Russian threat: Evidence of Obama's collusion," provide claims that serve as a basis for the investigation, accusing Obama officials of misconduct, including fabrication of intelligence, but it's worth noting that the Department of Justice has declined to comment, and NPR has not independently confirmed the reporting.
