President Trump is set to address the Justice Department on Friday, outlining his vision for the agency with an emphasis on issues related to crime and immigration. This marks a significant event, as it has been a decade since a president last visited the Justice Department.
According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the president’s speech will focus on “ending the weaponization of justice against Americans for their political beliefs.”
“We have incredibly talented individuals, and I’m simply going to share my vision. Ultimately, it will reflect their vision, but it will be based on my ideas,” the president conveyed to reporters from the White House on Thursday.
Mr. Trump has consistently criticized the Department of Justice over the years, especially following the indictments faced by special counsel Jack Smith in two criminal cases after his presidency.
As part of maintaining its independence and integrity in law enforcement decisions, the Justice Department traditionally refrains from informing the White House about ongoing or potential criminal or civil investigations, unless it directly relates to presidential duties, as outlined in the Justice Manual.
The last recorded public appearance of a sitting U.S. president at the Justice Department occurred in 2015 when President Barack Obama honored departing Attorney General Eric Holder. Prior to that, President George W. Bush visited in 2001 to officially rename the building in honor of Robert F. Kennedy, who served as Attorney General under his brother, President John F. Kennedy.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel are expected to be present during the president’s remarks.
In advance of the president’s speech, several Democrats have criticized Mr. Trump, accusing him of legal violations since taking office.
“President Trump started breaking the law from day one, immediately pardoning hundreds of violent offenders upon assuming office,” stated House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro. “The Trump administration is continually violating laws and undermining the Constitution by unlawfully redirecting funds intended for programs that assist American families and businesses, improperly terminating career civil servants, and dismantling agencies established by federal legislation.”
“Restoring law and order begins with upholding the Rule of Law and the sanctity of our Constitution,” Democratic Representative Grace Meng remarked. “This administration has consistently failed to meet that standard since its inception.”
The president’s remarks are scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.
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