President Joe Biden is said to harbor regrets appointing Merrick Garland as his attorney general.

According to sources familiar with Biden's views, he is dissatisfied with the speed and direction of the Justice Department’s handling of Trump’s legal challenges and the aggressive prosecution of Hunter Biden, as Breitbart reports.

Biden's frustration stems from his belief that the Justice Department should have acted more swiftly and forcefully in holding Trump accountable. The White House has faced mounting criticism from some Democrats who argue that the delays in Trump's cases could have allowed him to avoid a damaging trial before the 2024 election.

Ron Klain, Biden’s incoming chief of staff, was a key advocate for Garland’s appointment in 2021. Klain emphasized Garland’s reputation for fairness and independence, stressing that the decision would reassure Americans that the Justice Department was being restored after the tumultuous years under former Attorney General William Barr.

Garland, a respected federal judge, was widely seen as a figure who could demonstrate the Biden administration’s commitment to depoliticizing the Justice Department.

However, Biden has since become disillusioned with Garland’s performance. Sources close to Biden say the president has expressed regret for his choice, feeling that Garland’s Justice Department was slow to address the criminal investigations involving Trump. These investigations, which have become central to Trump’s legal battles, have dragged on for months, leaving many Democrats wondering if a faster resolution might have prevented Trump from using his legal troubles as a campaign tool in the lead-up to the 2024 election.

Frustration Over Garland's Pace

Biden’s frustration with Garland’s handling of the Trump cases is not limited to the timing of investigations. The president has also criticized the department for what he views as excessive and politically motivated actions against his son, Hunter Biden.

The younger Biden has faced several legal challenges, including an investigation into his taxes and business dealings. While Hunter Biden’s legal issues have been a source of controversy, the White House has consistently maintained that the Justice Department should act independently in these cases.

Some Democrats, however, have publicly expressed concern that Garland’s department has been too cautious in its approach to Trump, leaving a window for the former president to rally his supporters by portraying the legal system as unfairly targeting him.

Several key Democrats argue that had the department acted more swiftly and decisively, Trump could have faced a trial that might have hindered his political prospects for 2024.

Garland’s Reputation for Fairness: A Double-Edged Sword

At the time of Garland’s appointment, the former judge was seen as an ideal candidate to restore trust in the Justice Department after the controversial tenure of William Barr, who was widely accused of politicizing the department to favor Trump. Barr’s refusal to release materials related to special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation had sparked allegations that the Justice Department had become a tool of the Trump administration. Garland, by contrast, was expected to demonstrate independence and ensure that the department operated without political interference.

Despite these expectations, the delay in pursuing legal action against Trump has left some Democrats questioning whether Garland’s commitment to fairness has come at the expense of decisive action. The slow pace of Trump’s investigations, particularly in the wake of his alleged role in the Jan. 6 Capitol unrest, has prompted some to ask whether the department missed an opportunity to move swiftly against a figure who has dominated the Republican Party for years.

Challenges in Trump’s Legal Cases

Several factors have contributed to the delays in Trump’s cases. A Trump-appointed judge in Florida played a role in slowing down the legal proceedings, further complicating the Justice Department’s efforts to bring Trump to trial.

Additionally, rulings from the Supreme Court in Trump’s favor have also extended the timeline for resolution in several key cases. These factors, while out of Garland’s direct control, have nonetheless contributed to the perception that the Justice Department has been unable or unwilling to take a more aggressive stance.

In response to these delays, some Democrats have become increasingly vocal in their concerns. They argue that had the Justice Department moved faster, Trump could have faced legal consequences before the 2024 election cycle, potentially weakening his hold on the Republican base. Others, however, believe that the legal system must operate without political interference, regardless of the timing.

Biden’s Approach to the Justice Department

Throughout his presidency, Biden has insisted that his administration has not politicized the Department of Justice. He has repeatedly stated that the goal has been to depoliticize the department, restoring its independence after the perceived politicization under the Trump administration.

This stance has been a central part of Biden’s rhetoric, especially in the aftermath of the tumultuous years under former Attorney General Barr.

However, Biden’s private frustration with Garland’s performance has cast a shadow over this narrative. While the president has publicly supported Garland, his private comments indicate that the pace and approach of the Justice Department have caused real strain within the administration.