AG Garland issues memo restoring DOJ independence norms

Attorney General Merrick Garland issued a directive on February 5, 2021, barring White House officials from communicating directly with DOJ about specific investigations or prosecutions without going through the AG or Deputy AG. The memo was a direct response to the Trump administration's pattern of political interference, reinstating policies that had been in place before 2017. Garland stated the independence of the Justice Department from political influence was essential to its mission.