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Concerns Raised by Former DOJ Lawyer Over Department of Justice Under Trump
Liz Oyer, a recently dismissed attorney from the Department of Justice (DoJ), shared a compelling warning during her appearance on “All In With Chris Hayes.” She expressed that Americans should be deeply concerned about the current state of the DoJ amid the second term of Donald Trump.
Previously serving as a pardon attorney, Oyer found herself on a committee responsible for evaluating requests to restore gun rights stripped from individuals due to past convictions. Just a week before her termination, she was directed to place actor Mel Gibson’s name on the list for restored rights. Oyer opposed this recommendation, citing that Gibson had not formally sought restoration through the DoJ and raising doubts about his past conviction for domestic violence.
According to Oyer, she faced pressure from an unnamed high-ranking DoJ official who attempted to coerce her into altering her stance, leveraging Gibson’s association with Trump and hinting at possible repercussions for her position. Oyer stood firm in her decision, leading to her dismissal the following day.
In a subsequent interview with the New York Times, Oyer detailed her ordeal, reiterating her concerns during her conversation with Hayes. The discussion shifted to a statement from DoJ official Todd Blanche, who accused her of breaching ethical codes by going public with her account, suggesting that such actions would not be tolerated.
Oyer defended her decision to speak out, emphasizing the chilling atmosphere within the DoJ that discourages open dissent. “The reason I’m here tonight is because the environment at the Department of Justice is so alarming that sharing my story felt necessary after my firing,” Oyer asserted. She pointed out that Blanche’s remarks only reinforced her concerns about the department’s current direction.
She further articulated her belief that her ethical responsibilities as a former DoJ employee were to uphold the laws of the United States and serve the public, rather than cave to the pressures from those currently in power. “As DOJ employees, we take an oath that does not pledge loyalty to any administration or leadership but rather to the law,” Oyer stated.
In closing her remarks, Oyer reiterated her apprehension regarding the environment at the DoJ, contending, “Mr. Blanche’s position illustrates why we should all be concerned about the state of justice in our country.”
For those interested, the full interview can be viewed below:
Source
www.thewrap.com