Biden has privately set his political ire at Attorney General Merrick Garland, who is ultimately responsible for investigations of both the president and his son, Hunter Biden. President Joe Biden’s belief that Garland has failed to adequately oversee the special counsel’s inquiry into his management of classified documents is at the heart of this discontent. In addition, Biden has also been miffed by Garland’s handling of the case of his son, Hunter Biden, and the lingering investigation into former President Trump’s alleged election interference, which casts a long shadow over the 2024 presidential election.
Biden and Advisors Expressing Grievances Over Classified Documents Investigation

This situation has culminated in a significant strain between the president’s office and the Department of Justice, with Biden and his close advisors expressing their grievances over how the investigation was handled.
Special Council Hur’s Report Cleared Biden of Criminal Wrongdoing

The crux of the frustration stems from a report issued by Special Counsel Robert Hur, which cleared President Biden of any wrongdoing related to mishandling classified documents found at his think tank and personal residence.
Remarks About Biden’s Mental Acuity Play into Republican Hands

The special counsel report criticized Biden’s mental sharpness, a point that has become a source of irritation for the president and his team. They argue that the comments regarding Biden’s memory were both unnecessary and damaging, placing some of the blame on Garland for not intervening to modify the report’s findings.
Garland’s Tenure as Attorney General Not Guaranteed for Potential Second Term

President Biden’s advisors have openly questioned Garland’s decision to appoint a special counsel for the investigation, revealing a deep-seated belief that this move was misguided. As discussions about Garland’s future unfold, there’s a growing consensus among Biden’s senior advisors that Garland’s tenure as attorney general may not extend into a potential second term.
Dissatisfaction Reaches Back to Hunter Biden Investigation and More

This dissatisfaction is not a recent development but part of an ongoing concern within the White House regarding Garland’s approach to various high-profile investigations. Among these is the prolonged probe into Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, which the president criticized for its length and potential impact on his son’s well-being.
Garland Could Have Expedited Trump Case, Now Muddled with 2024 Election Timeline

Moreover, there’s a perception that Garland has been slow to act in the investigation into former President Donald Trump’s election interference. Some within the Biden circle believe that an earlier conclusion to this investigation could have led to a trial before the upcoming election, attributing the delay not to Garland directly but to obstruction from Trump’s side.
Garland’s Supporters Applaud His Cautious Approach and Priorities

Garland’s supporters argue that his cautious approach reflects a commitment to maintaining the Justice Department’s independence and integrity. They point to Garland’s efforts to prioritize issues aligned with Biden’s agenda, such as addressing violent crime and enforcing civil rights laws, as evidence of his effective leadership.
Hur’s Report Gave Republicans Ammunition Against Biden’s Mental Fitness

The decision to appoint Hur, known for his Republican affiliations, to oversee the classified documents case has been a particular point of contention. Critics within the Democratic Party view this as a misstep, arguing that it gave Republicans ammunition against Biden and questioning Garland’s judgment in this critical matter.
Tension Between Valuing Independent Justice Department and Disadvantageous Outcomes

The debate over Garland’s performance highlights a broader struggle within the Biden administration to balance the need for impartial justice with the political realities of governing. While Biden has sought to maintain a principled stance on the independence of the Justice Department, the tensions arising from specific investigative decisions have tested this commitment.
Critics Say Garland’s Approach Costs Biden Politically

Supporters of Garland emphasize his nuanced approach to complex legal and political issues, suggesting that his decisions reflect a deep understanding of the Justice Department’s role and responsibilities. Yet, this has not quelled the concerns of those who believe Garland’s impartiality has come at a political cost to the Biden administration.
Advisors Doubt Garland Will Stay as AG for Potential Second Term

As the administration navigates these internal tensions, the debate over Garland’s future and the direction of the Justice Department continues to unfold. With the president’s advisors expressing doubts about Garland’s role in a second term, the coming months may be pivotal in determining his fate.
Garland’s Achievements Include Efforts to Combat Violent Crime and Protect Civil Rights

Garland’s supporters, however, caution against a hasty assessment of his tenure, arguing that his actions have often been in the best interest of justice and the country. They point to successful initiatives under his leadership, such as efforts to combat violent crime and protect civil rights, as evidence of his positive impact.
Politically Sensitive Investigations Cause Alarm for Democrats

For critics within the Democratic Party, Garland’s approach to the politically sensitive investigations under his watch remains a sore point. They argue that his decisions have frustrated the president’s inner circle and potentially jeopardized Biden’s political future.
Biden Maintains Measured Public Support for Garland

As President Biden navigates these challenges, his public support for Garland remains measured. The president has yet to address his attorney general’s future directly. Instead, he is focusing on his administration’s broader goals while dealing with the undercurrents of discontent.
Discussions of Garland’s Tenure Continue Outside of Public View

The unfolding dynamics between the White House and the Department of Justice reflect the intricate balance of governance, legal integrity, and political strategy. As discussions about Garland’s tenure and the Justice Department’s direction continue, the outcome may have significant implications for the Biden administration and its ability to navigate the complex landscape of American politics.