Karnal wrote on Nov 23
rd, 2024 at 6:03pm:
These AGs are supposed to be independent, no?
Where did you get that idea?
The AG (in Australia or the US) is expected to bring cases they can win. It is politically damaging if they bring a case and lose.
Yes, there is some scope for "lawfare" but let's not pretend the appointed AG is any different from any state or local prosecutor. They can be a bastard to someone, just because they're unpopular or just because of partisan difference.
But being a political position, the AG has much more to lose if they drag someone to trial and can't get a conviction, than they have to gain if they win.
Relevantly, Trump doesn't care if his AG leads a losing case. He's going to be gone in four years either way. He still wants to win cases, which is probably why he dumped Gaetz.
The other aspect of being AG is to defend the Administration against legal attack. Another good reason to dump Gaetz. The AG or in fact any member of the Cabinet, does not need to be a Congressperson nor to have any political experience. Trump can find a much better lawyer (in defense or prosecution) from the private sector.