Former Justice Department officials endorse Harris: 'The stakes could not be higher'

A group of former and current Department of Justice (DOJ) officials endorsed Vice President Harris for president, saying the “stakes could not be higher” and warning of the implications of another term for former President Trump.

Former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch was joined by more than 40 DOJ officials in thanking President Biden for his years of service and his “historic decision to put the nation first and pass the torch to the next generation of leaders.”

The group said it enthusiastically endorsed Harris, like Biden, to be the next president. The letter was first obtained and reported by NBC News.

“Vice President Harris is the best choice to defeat Donald Trump and lead the nation. She has been a key partner with President Biden in rebuilding America and its standing in the world,” they wrote in a statement.

The group highlighted Harris’s accomplishments in the Senate and as California’s attorney general and said in this election, “the stakes could not be higher.”

“Former President Trump presents a grave risk to our country, our global alliances and the future of democracy. As President, he regularly ignored the rule of law,” the DOJ officials said, noting Trump’s Muslim travel ban and attempt to defy election results in 2020.  

Trump is no stranger to the DOJ. Special counsel Jack Smith has brought forth two cases against the former president: the classified documents case, which was recently dismissed by a Trump-appointed judge, and the federal election interference case, which was brought to the Supreme Court. The justices granted Trump broad immunity over official acts but sent the case back to trial court.

The group of DOJ officials includes people who served under presidents of both parties and years in office dating back to 1988.

“We all have had the honor of serving as United States Attorneys, in other leadership roles at the United States Department of Justice and as civic leaders,” they wrote. “We love our country and believe in its infinite possibilities. But this takes work. We urge all Americans to join us in supporting Vice President Harris for President of the United States.”