AG Garland Gets Annihilated Online After DOJ Thank You Video Goes Viral [WATCH]

Attorney General Merrick Garland’s departure from the Department of Justice (DOJ) sparked a wave of criticism from prominent Republicans, who took to social media to highlight what they described as a highly politicized and controversial tenure.

A viral video posted Friday on X (formerly Twitter) showed Garland taking a “victory lap,” thanking cheering DOJ staffers as he exited the building for the final time.

Several Republican lawmakers and conservative figures responded to the clip, using the opportunity to voice their disapproval of Garland’s leadership.

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Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) was particularly vocal in his criticism, calling Garland’s exit a welcome end to what he described as a dark chapter for the DOJ.

“Merrick Garland has left @TheJusticeDept for the FINAL TIME,” Donalds wrote on X. “His DOJ attacked political opponents. His DOJ was unprecedentedly weaponized. This disgraceful era of brazen political lawfare is FINALLY OVER.”

Merrick Garland has left @TheJusticeDept for the FINAL TIME.

His DOJ attacked concerned parents.
His DOJ attacked religious Catholics.
His DOJ attacked political opponents.
His DOJ was unprecedentedly weaponized.

This disgraceful era of brazen political lawfare is FINALLY OVER. pic.twitter.com/AQgZ6lfWEE

— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) January 18, 2025

Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) echoed those sentiments, stating, “Merrick Garland presided over the wicked weaponization of the federal government against the American people. He has caused irreparable damage to the institution. Good riddance.”

Merrick Garland presided over the wicked weaponization of the federal government against the American people.

He has caused irreparable damage to the institution.

Good riddance. https://t.co/ffsUowfJ2R

— Congressman Kevin Hern (@repkevinhern) January 18, 2025

Garland, a former federal appeals court judge, was appointed attorney general in 2021 by Joe Biden.

His tenure was marked by frequent clashes with Republican lawmakers, who accused him of using the DOJ to target political opponents and push a partisan agenda.

One of the most controversial moments of his time in office was the DOJ’s investigation into President-elect Donald Trump’s handling of classified documents.

The investigation, which included a raid on Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, was personally approved by Garland.

The case was ultimately dismissed by a Florida judge in July 2024, further fueling Republican accusations of political bias.

Garland was also criticized for his handling of cases involving religious liberty. Republicans accused the DOJ of targeting Catholics and people of faith, prompting additional scrutiny of his leadership.

Even within his own party, Garland faced pushback. According to Bob Woodward’s book War, Joe Biden reportedly expressed regret over nominating Garland as attorney general, citing his aggressive prosecution of Biden’s son, Hunter Biden.

The move reportedly caused friction between Garland and the White House.

Republican communications adviser Matt Whitlock joined the chorus of criticism, calling Garland “one of the greatest disappointments in recent political history.”

“Garland went from Chief on the DC Circuit to lawless political hack for the dark money groups that controlled the Biden White House,” Whitlock wrote on X. “The guy sent the FBI after parents for speaking out at school board meetings.”

One of the greatest disappointments in recent political history.

Garland went from Chief on the DC Circuit to lawless political hack for the dark money groups that controlled the Biden White House.

The guy sent the FBI after parents for speaking out at school board meetings. https://t.co/hf3jDTdIMm

— Matt Whitlock (@mattdizwhitlock) January 18, 2025

Garland’s departure marks the end of a tumultuous four years at the helm of the DOJ. Trump-appointed Pam Bondi is set to take over as attorney general following her Senate confirmation.

Bondi, a former Florida attorney general, is expected to focus on restoring public trust in the DOJ and addressing concerns about politicization within the agency.

As Garland exits, Republicans remain vocal about what they see as a period of unprecedented partisanship under his leadership, with many expressing hope for a new direction under Bondi’s leadership.

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