There has been a lot of speculation about who might eventually replace James Comey for FBI director, but one name is being floated around that might shock you: Judge Merrick Garland.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) first brought up Garland’s name on Twitter:
It’s easy to think that Lee made the suggestion in jest, but he’s reportedly being serious.
In fact, some Republicans seem to be on board with the idea:
Garland certainly has the credentials to be FBI director, having worked as an assistant U.S. attorney to the District of Columbia and as Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti’s special assistant. Garland also was a crucial player in obtaining the death penalty for Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber.
Between that and the Democrats’ constant drumbeat that Neil Gorsuch stole Garland’s Supreme Court seat, it’s easy to see why Lee and other Republicans like the idea of Garland as FBI director.
However, it’s unlikely that the Democrats will go along with it, as the far-left Daily Kos is already calling it a “Republican idea to steal another seat from Merrick Garland.” The Democrats will howl about another judicial vacancy for Trump to fill.
There’s also this to consider:
Jay Caruso echoed this point in RedState, writing: “After watching the circus surrounding James Comey, Garland is likely not going to take a chance at a job where he might ceremoniously get terminated if Trump feels he’s not ‘loyal’ enough.”
Nevertheless, it’s still an interesting idea.