Trump Delivers Justice Department Remarks, Vows Retribution Against Foes

President Donald Trump delivered remarks at the Justice Department on Friday, outlining his vision for the department with an emphasis on crime and immigration. This appearance marked a significant event as no president had graced the Justice Department in a decade.

In his opening statement, Mr. Trump declared, "The Justice Department is starting a 'proud new chapter in the chronicles of American justice.'" He further asserted, "We're turning the page on four long years of corruption, weaponization and surrender to violent criminals. And we're restoring fair, equal and impartial justice under the constitutional rule of law." Mr. Trump accused the Justice Department of straying from its path in recent years and listed his grievances regarding investigations into him and instances where he claimed the department was used against conservative causes.

Trump's Allegations

Mr. Trump referred to a "corrupt group of hacks and radicals within the ranks of the American government" whom he alleged had "obliterated" trust and goodwill over generations. However, he confidently proclaimed, "Those days are over, and never coming back." He vowed retribution against his political opponents and painted a picture of Washington as a capital that is "the talk of the world." His speech then took an unexpected turn with a brief digression about men's college basketball coach Bobby Knight.

White House Press Secretary's Statement

Earlier, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the president's speech would focus on "ending the weaponization of justice against Americans for their political leanings." Mr. Trump himself told reporters at the White House on Thursday, "I think we have unbelievable people, and all I'm going to do is set out my vision. It's going to be their vision, really, but it's my ideas."

History of Presidential Visits

Mr. Trump has been a vocal critic of the Department of Justice for years, even before special counsel Jack Smith indicted him in two criminal cases after he left office. Traditionally, the Justice Department refrains from advising the White House on pending or potential criminal or civil investigations or cases to protect its independence and integrity in law enforcement decisions, unless it's crucial to the president's duties, according to the Justice Manual.

President Barack Obama made the last known public appearance by a sitting U.S. president at the Justice Department in 2015, when he paid tribute to departing attorney general Eric Holder. Before that, President George W. Bush visited the department in 2001 to formally change the building's name to honor Robert F. Kennedy, who served as attorney general under his brother, President John F. Kennedy.

Attendees and Criticisms

Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel were present at the president's remarks. However, some Democrats criticized Mr. Trump, alleging that he has broken the law since taking office. House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro stated, "President Trump began breaking the law on day one of his term, and immediately pardoned hundreds of violent criminals upon taking office. The Trump administration is breaking the law and undermining the Constitution every day by illegally stealing funds for the programs that help American families and businesses, firing career civil servants without cause, and dismantling agencies created by acts of Congress."

Democratic Rep. Grace Meng also chimed in, saying, "Restoring law and order starts with respecting the Rule of Law itself and the sacredness of our Constitution. This administration has failed to do so since Day One."