Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the highest Democrat on the committee, started his opening assertion with a nod to his residence state, arguing that oversight hearings like this one “have by no means been extra essential as President Trump turns the complete drive of the federal authorities on Chicago and different American cities.”
“The assault on the town I’m proud to signify is only one instance of how President Trump and Legal professional Basic Bondi shut down justice on the Division of Justice even earlier than the get together, controlling the White Home, Senate and Home of Representatives, shut down the federal government,” Durbin mentioned.
Durbin additionally argued that Bondi has “systemically weaponized” the Justice Division “to guard President Trump and his allies and assault his opponents and sadly, the American individuals,” pointing to firings of profession officers. He claimed that with “moral guardrails out of the way in which, corruption has run rampant on the Division of Justice.”
The Illinois Democrat mentioned “our nation’s prime legislation enforcement company has turn into a defend for the President and his allies once they interact in misconduct.” He pointed to allegations that Mr. Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, accepted “a $50,000 bag of money in trade for promising immigration enforcement-related contracts.” He additionally pointed to Mr. Trump’s pardoning of Jan. 6 rioters, the dealing with of the Epstein probe, the dismissal of corruption expenses towards New York Metropolis Mayor Eric Adams and the indictment of Comey, amongst different issues.
“What has taken place since Jan. 20, 2025, would make even President Nixon recoil,” Durbin mentioned.
Durbin accused Bondi of remodeling the Justice Division and leaving “an infinite stain in American historical past.”
“It’s going to take many years to get better,” he mentioned.
