Attorney General Merrick Garland Defends President Biden’s Mental Capacity Amid Report Findings
During a House Appropriations Committee hearing on the Justice Department’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget request, Attorney General Merrick Garland defended President Biden’s mental capacity after being pressed by a Republican lawmaker about the findings of special counsel Robert Hur’s report on Biden’s improper handling of classified documents.
Garland stated that President Biden has “no impairment” and emphasized his confidence in the president’s ability to effectively lead the Department of his Cabinet and military. When asked about Hur’s characterization of Biden as a “sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory,” Garland declined to comment, stating that it is improper for the attorney general to editorialize.
Hur’s report concluded that there would be no criminal charges brought against President Biden after an investigation into his retention of classified documents related to national security. The report’s mention of Biden’s memory sparked widespread coverage of the president’s mental capacity in office.
In addition to addressing questions about the president’s mental capacity, Garland highlighted a significant decrease in overall violent crime across the country, including a 13% decline in homicides, which he described as the largest one-year decline in over 30 years.
Garland also discussed the Justice Department’s budget request of $21 billion to support efforts to combat gun violence and strengthen counterterrorism measures. The funding would be allocated to agencies such as the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, and U.S. Attorney’s offices.
Overall, Garland expressed confidence in President Biden’s leadership and the administration’s efforts to address key issues such as violent crime and national security.
