Merrick Garland's Fiery Confrontation: Stunning Revelations from House Judiciary Committee Hearing

In his opening statement at a contentious House Judiciary Committee hearing in Washington on Wednesday, Attorney General Merrick Garland strongly criticized congressional Republicans for their accusations of political bias against the Justice Department.

Garland emphasized, "I am neither the president's lawyer nor Congress's prosecutor. The primary purpose of the Justice Department is to serve the American people."

He emphasized that the primary objective of the Justice Department is "to actively seek justice, impartially and independently" rather than succumbing to "political expediency" or yielding to directives issued by the President, Congress, or any other external entity pertaining to decisions regarding the initiation of criminal investigations.

US Attorney General Merrick Garland arrives to testify before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on September 20, 2023 in Washington, DC.

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Attorney General Garland testified before the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee, delivering his statement amidst criticism from Republicans, who accuse him of not safeguarding the department from politicization, and discontent from Democrats, who claim the department has been too hesitant in pursuing former President Donald Trump.

Republicans on the panel are anticipated to extensively question Garland regarding the inquiry into Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, and his abandoned plea agreement. They will also focus on the two indictments of former President Trump by special counsel Jack Smith.

House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan expressed his belief that the situation is manipulated, stating, "The situation is rigged. Despite the recent indictment of Hunter Biden, it is widely understood that the situation is rigged."

In light of this situation, Garland informed legislators that the department appreciates and welcomes public scrutiny, criticism, and legitimate oversight. However, he strongly cautioned against targeting specific career public servants who are simply carrying out their duties, emphasizing the potential dangers - especially amidst heightened threats to the safety of these individuals and their families.

Garland asserted, "We refuse to be intimidated. We are committed to executing our tasks without external interference. Furthermore, we will not waver in safeguarding our democracy."

Preview of impeachment inquiry

The upcoming Wednesday hearing is expected to provide a glimpse into the House Republicans' impeachment inquiry into the president, a precursor to the first hearing scheduled for next week. This event will also likely be marked by intense partisan disputes and confrontations.

Speaker Kevin McCarthy stated that the majority of the allegations being examined by Republicans in the impeachment inquiry pertain to the business activities of Hunter Biden. However, Republicans have not found any evidence indicating that the president directly received funds. In addition, the House Judiciary Committee has been looking into allegations from an IRS whistleblower, suggesting that the Justice Department's investigation into Hunter Biden may have been influenced by political motives.

Due to the ongoing nature of both the investigations into Hunter Biden and President Trump, it is improbable that Garland will provide substantial information regarding these matters.

Rep. Jerry Nadler, the leading Democrat on the panel from New York, accused the Republicans of undermining the committee's oversight responsibilities.

"Harnessing their allotted time, the House Republicans will engage in discussing baseless conspiracy theories and the infamous Hunter Biden's laptop. This is indicative of their priorities, as they prioritize their allegiance to Donald Trump over the well-being of their own constituents," Nadler declared.

Investigation into plea deal

Jordan initiated an inquiry into Hunter Biden's plea agreement, which was abandoned later. In July, he commenced the investigation and has requested David Weiss, the former US Attorney, now serving as special counsel, to appear before the committee in October as he was the one who negotiated the plea deal with Hunter Biden.

Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler, whistleblowers of the Internal Revenue Service, provide testimony during the House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing in July. The hearing addresses concerns of alleged interference in the Justice Department's investigation into Hunter Biden. The proceedings took place on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

Leah Millis/Reuters

Witness testimony disputes IRS whistleblower allegations in Hunter Biden probe as Republicans begin impeachment inquiry

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At an October 2022 meeting, Gary Shapley, an IRS whistleblower, has accused Weiss of stating that he did not have the authority to decide whether charges should be brought against Hunter Biden. However, Weiss has denied making that statement, and other participants in the meeting have testified that they do not recall him saying that.

Weiss had reached a plea agreement with Hunter Biden in June regarding tax and gun charges, under which the president's son agreed to plead guilty to federal tax charges and was expected to avoid imprisonment. However, in July, the agreement fell apart after facing scrutiny from a federal judge. Subsequently, Weiss requested special counsel status from Garland and recently indicted Hunter Biden on gun charges. On Tuesday, Hunter Biden informed the court that he intends to plead not guilty.

Additionally, Jordan, a prominent Trump supporter in Congress, has initiated an inquiry into Smiths' simultaneous investigations of the ex-president. Jordan has further suggested reducing the budgets of the FBI and DOJ in relation to these inquiries.

Numerous House Republicans, including McCarthy, previously considered impeaching the attorney general, but that sentiment has subsided as their attention has shifted towards impeachment proceedings against President Joe Biden.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

CNNs Annie Grayer contributed to this report.