In a series of controversial moves, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco has consolidated power within the Department of Justice (DOJ), raising concerns about its independence and impartiality. According to findings reported by Blaze News, Monaco’s actions could undermine President Joe Biden’s antitrust policies while complicating the efforts of future administrations, including a potential return of Donald Trump to the White House.
The timing and scope of Monaco’s edits to the DOJ manual suggest a strategic effort to entrench control under her office, potentially shielding Big Tech giants like Google from antitrust accountability. Critics argue that her history of ties to Big Tech and the recent consolidation of authority paint a troubling picture of compromised justice.
Centralizing Power: A Strategic Shift
Beginning in 2022, Monaco implemented significant changes to the DOJ manual that centralize authority within her office. These include:
- Requiring her oversight in key communications between the DOJ and the White House.
- Gaining the authority to adjudicate disciplinary actions and appeals related to DOJ attorneys.
- Adding provisions mandating her involvement in high-level legal and administrative matters.
While these changes may seem procedural, their cumulative effect consolidates power under Monaco, potentially delaying or obstructing a future administration’s ability to enact reforms.
Big Tech Ties and Conflicts of Interest
Before joining the DOJ, Monaco had professional connections to major tech companies through her work at O’Melveny & Myers, a law firm representing Google and Apple in high-stakes cases. She also advised Google on Project Maven, a controversial artificial intelligence project for military drones, while working with WestExec Advisors.
Critics, including Mike Davis of the Article III Project, argue that these connections create a conflict of interest. Monaco’s edits to DOJ protocols, combined with her professional history, suggest a bias toward protecting Big Tech interests, even as the DOJ pursues two landmark antitrust lawsuits against Google.
“Just about the only thing President Biden got right in his nearly four years is his antitrust law enforcement against Big Tech,” Davis told Blaze News. “Now, Lisa Monaco…seems to be undermining her boss’ long-standing antitrust policies to curry favor with Google.”
Implications for Future Presidents
Although Monaco’s changes began before the 2024 election cycle, their long-term effects could significantly impact future administrations:
- Limiting Executive Power: Requiring DAG oversight in key communications could restrict a new president’s ability to swiftly implement policy changes.
- Protecting Big Tech: Monaco’s centralized authority may create procedural hurdles for future administrations seeking to challenge monopolistic practices.
- Setting a Precedent: Consolidating power in the DAG’s office establishes a framework that future deputy attorneys general could exploit, further reducing DOJ accountability.
These structural changes could hinder any administration—Republican or Democrat—from enacting meaningful reforms or reversing entrenched policies.
Timing and Motivation
While Monaco’s actions began before Trump’s potential return to office became a factor, the timing raises questions about whether they serve to shield the Biden administration’s policies from being easily overturned. Davis has suggested that Monaco’s motivations could extend beyond administrative streamlining, stating, “If Lisa Monaco is looking for her next job and can’t do her current job, she should resign immediately.”
Conclusion
The DOJ’s role as an impartial arbiter of justice is critical to American democracy. However, Lisa Monaco’s consolidation of power within the department raises serious concerns about its independence. Her actions not only undermine Biden’s antitrust policies but also create significant challenges for future administrations, including the ability to hold Big Tech accountable.
Monaco’s edits to the DOJ manual deserve closer scrutiny, not only for their immediate impact but for the precedent they set. As the 2024 election approaches, the American people must demand transparency and accountability to ensure the DOJ serves the public interest—not political or corporate agendas.