Attorney General Merrick Garland stated in a press conference on Thursday that he signed off on the warrant to search Donald Trump's residence in Florida. Garland has also requested that the court make the currently sealed warrant public.
Everyone wants its publication
For his part, former President Trump has not objected to making the search warrant public. In fact, he has called for its "immediate release". Trump possesses a personal copy of the order.
Separately, a number of major media outlets have also called for the release of the warrant, as well as all related documents and "all probable cause affidavits filed in support of the search warrant". The media outlets include CNN, NBC News, E.W. Scripps Company and The Washington Post.
Garland stated that he considered other less invasive options before opting for the raid: "The department does not take such a decision lightly where possible. It is standard practice to seek less intrusive means as an alternative to a search and to narrowly scope any search that is undertaken".
Criticism of Garland
Numerous conservatives and members of the Republican Party have reacted with contempt against Attorney General Garland following his press conference.
Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn said, "This is a political witch hunt".
Merrick Garland personally approved a search warrant to take down Joe Biden's top political opponent.
This is a politically-motivated witch hunt.
- Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) August 11, 2022
Darrell Issa, a member of the House of Representatives from California, criticized Garland's attitude during his appearance.
Merrick Garland reading word for word from notes and refusing to answer any questions.
Is this what passes for transparency now?
- Rep. Darrell Issa (@repdarrellissa) August 11, 2022
Mike Davis, who worked for now-Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch and heads The Article III Project, an association defending the judiciary from political interference, said that there are many questions that still need to be answered and asked him to resign.
AG Merrick Garland attempted to defend the defenseless in his political press conference.
He left more questions than answers.
He's a former federal judge and prosecutor.
He should be ashamed of himself for politicizing the Justice Department so dangerously.
He must resign. https://t.co/aRRwIfEbWc
- 🇺🇸 Mike Davis 🇺🇸 (@mrddmia) August 11, 2022
