Politics in the United States have seen some interesting turns of events in recent times, and the latest example in that regard has come from President Donald Trump.
In a revealing interview with Univision, the president said that he could potentially weaponize the FBI and DOJ against his enemies. This statement raised a lot of eyebrows, as it came across as heavy handed not only towards his political enemies, but also to those in the agency with whom he has had disagreements in the past.
The president’s comment was in response to a question about whether he was considering using his power to go after those who had been critical of him or his administration, such as former FBI director James Comey. The president’s response was simple and to the point: “I have the absolute right to do what I want to do with the Justice Department.”
These comments are sure to spark a debate on the proper role of the FBI and the DOJ, as these are government organizations that must be held to the highest standards of conduct, particularly when it comes to their interactions with individuals and political actors.
The comment also has the potential to deepen the divide between the president and those within the DOJ who have, at times, been at odds with the president’s policies and initiatives. Such a divide could prove problematic in the future, particularly if the president were to continue to view the DOJ through a political lens rather than as a non-partisan agency that should objectively investigate possible crimes.
At the end of the day, the president’s comments speak to the potential abuse of power that can arise when a leader doesn’t use caution. Thus, it is important for everyone involved in the political process to remain vigilant and ensure that the DOJ and FBI are not abused and used for political gain.