On Tuesday, Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio) made a bold declaration, vowing to block President Biden’s nominees to Justice Department posts in protest of the 37-count indictment against former President Donald Trump. In a video posted on Twitter, Vance expressed his frustration with Attorney General Merrick Garland’s use of the Department of Justice (DOJ) for political purposes instead of upholding the law impartially. He stated his intention to hold all DOJ nominees until Garland promises to fulfill his duty and stop harassing political opponents.
Vance’s hold is expected to impact at least two of Biden’s DOJ nominees awaiting floor votes, including Rosemarie Hidalgo, nominated for the director of the Violence Against Women Office, and Todd Gee, nominated for US Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi. However, Vance clarified that his hold would not apply to US Marshals Service nominees. While Senate Democrats can still push through nominees with enough votes, Vance’s action will require Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to schedule individual votes instead of confirming nominees by unanimous consent.
The senator criticized Garland for appointing special counsel Jack Smith to oversee multiple investigations into Trump, which Vance sees as a continuation of the DOJ’s politicization. He argued that Trump’s indictment is just one example of Garland’s use of the department for political purposes. Vance cited instances where pro-life activists and Christian parents have been harassed while violent criminals walk free after the 2020 summer riots. He emphasized the need for justice, not politics, and called for a slowdown at the DOJ until Garland changes his approach and fulfills his duties properly.
Vance received support from Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who plans to introduce a measure to defund special counsel Jack Smith. Greene thanked Vance on Twitter for taking action and holding the government accountable. Donald Trump Jr. also praised Vance, applauding his willingness to stand up to the Biden administration, Garland, and the radical left.
In response to Vance’s move, Representative Daniel Goldman (D-NY) criticized the senator, accusing him and other Republicans of acting as Trump’s legal defense team using taxpayers’ money. Meanwhile, in a Miami federal court, former President Trump pleaded not guilty to the 37 felony counts related to the alleged mishandling and concealment of classified White House documents.
Vance’s decision to block DOJ nominees reflects conservative concerns about the politicization of law enforcement under the Biden administration. Critics argue that the indictment against Trump is politically motivated, further fueling the divide between Republicans and Democrats on issues related to justice and accountability.
