(DailyVantage.com) – On Thursday’s Morning Joe on MSNBC, Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY) voiced serious concerns about the potential misuse of the Department of Justice (DOJ) under President-elect Donald Trump, specifically regarding the targeting of political opponents. Goldman warned that if Trump were to use the DOJ to prosecute his political rivals, it would signal a dangerous slide into what he described as “banana republic stuff.” Goldman’s warning about the weaponization of the DOJ highlighted the dangers of such actions undermining the U.S. legal system’s credibility.
Goldman pointed out that allowing the DOJ to be weaponized for political purposes would erode public trust in the fairness and integrity of legal proceedings. He argued that if prosecutions became politically motivated, defendants across the country could claim that their legal challenges were influenced by partisan considerations, thus casting doubt on the legitimacy of countless cases. The broad implications of this, Goldman suggested, would be devastating to the rule of law in the United States.
One specific concern Goldman raised was Trump’s potential selection of Kash Patel for a key position within the DOJ. Patel, a former aide to Trump, has been a controversial figure, and Goldman believes his appointment could enhance Trump’s ability to manipulate the DOJ for political gain. Goldman emphasized the risk of Patel’s confirmation and its potential consequences for the DOJ’s institutional integrity.
When co-host Jonathan Lemire asked Goldman whether he feared becoming a target for prosecution, especially given his role as lead counsel during Trump’s first impeachment, Goldman acknowledged that he had been on Trump’s “enemy list” before. However, he expressed confidence in his ability to defend himself. Goldman emphasized that while he personally felt prepared to handle any potential attacks, his greater concern was for the career civil servants within the government who might be vulnerable to political retribution.
Goldman explained that he had the platform and legal protections—such as the speech and debate clause—to withstand such challenges. His primary worry, he said, was for those public servants who did not have the same legal safeguards, and he expressed hope that the focus would remain on him rather than the vulnerable professionals working within the federal system. Goldman’s comments on protecting public servants echoed his concern for the career staff at risk of political retaliation.
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