President Donald Trump has called on the country's top law enforcement official, Attorney General Pam Bondi, to more aggressively investigate his political adversaries.
In a social media post addressed directly to Bondi, he said: We can't delay any longer, it's killing our reputation and credibility.
Trump expressed frustration that nothing is being done, before calling on Bondi to investigate former FBI director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Democratic Senator Adam Schiff, who oversaw his first impeachment trial.
Shortly after, he posted again to praise Bondi who he said was doing a great job.
I have reviewed over 30 statements and posts saying that, essentially, 'same old story as last time, all talk, no action. Nothing is being done. What about Comey, Adam 'Shifty' Schiff, Leticia??? They're all guilty as hell, but nothing is going to be done,' Trump said on Saturday.
His statement was roundly criticized by Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer who said, this is the path to a dictatorship. Schumer added, The justice department has always been a very, very strong civil service, no matter who was in charge, a Democrat or Republican. They went after law violators without fear or favour.
Trump responded saying, They have to act. They have to act fast. He asserted that Bondi would be remembered as one of the best attorneys general.
His remarks followed the departure of federal prosecutor Erik Siebert, who Trump claimed was fired for his failure to prosecute James over allegations of mortgage fraud.
Trump also indicated that he had recommended a replacement for Siebert, stating, She is very careful, very smart, loves our Country, but needs a tough prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia, like my recommendation, Lindsey Halligan, to get things moving.
Throughout his presidency, Trump has often clashed with the Justice Department's independence, and he now appears to be attempting to push it further into his political battles.
