DOJ's Slow Response to Prosecuting Trump Raises Concerns of Partisanship

Former FBI Director James Comey criticizes the Biden administration's slow progress in prosecuting former President Trump, warning of potential consequences. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) faces scrutiny over allegations of political bias against Trump administration targets.

Former FBI Director James Comey has voiced his disapproval of the Biden administration's handling of the prosecution against former President Donald Trump, expressing concerns that the slow progress could have detrimental effects. Comey's remarks highlight the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the Department of Justice's (DOJ) handling of Trump-related investigations.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), an independent watchdog within the DOJ, has come under fire after reports surfaced alleging political bias among some of its personnel, particularly those overseeing investigations involving Trump administration appointees. The OIG's stated mission is to prevent fraud, waste, and misconduct within the DOJ, but recent revelations have raised questions about its objectivity.

One OIG attorney, Deborah Falk Zerwitz, has been found to have donated substantial sums to Democratic organizations. Documents show that she "liked" numerous political posts on social media, including disparaging remarks about former Attorney General Bill Barr and other Trump appointees. Another OIG lawyer, Jennifer Ramella, also made significant donations to Democratic PACs.

Christina Monta, a former OIG counsel who led an investigation into the U.S. Attorney's Office in Pennsylvania, has a history of pro-Democratic activism, supporting causes such as transgender bathroom access and voter ID laws. Her involvement in cases related to mail-in ballots during the 2020 election has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

America First Legal (AFL), a conservative legal group, has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the DOJ, seeking information about the potential existence of politically motivated employees in sensitive positions. AFL argues that the OIG's alleged partisanship undermines public trust and could lead to unfair targeting of political opponents.

In response to these allegations, an OIG spokesperson stated that the organization respects the constitutional rights of its employees and that its work is based on objective facts. The OIG cited its reports on FISA abuses and Operation Fast and Furious as evidence of its impartiality.

However, the Civil Service Reform Act prohibits the OIG from discriminating against employees based on their political affiliations. Gene Hamilton, AFL executive director, has denounced the possibility of the OIG operating as a "partisan bulldog," emphasizing that it must maintain independence and impartiality.

Comey's criticism of the DOJ's slow response to Trump-related prosecutions has further fueled the debate over the administration's handling of former officials. The OIG's alleged political bias poses an additional layer of complexity to the ongoing investigations, raising concerns about the potential for politically motivated prosecutions.