Trump’s Justice Department Nominees Avoid Direct Answers on Court Order Compliance at Senate Hearing | CNN Politics

Two nominees from President Trump’s Justice Department faced tough questions from senators about following court orders. This includes D. John Sauer, Trump’s former lawyer, who was nominated for the solicitor general role.

A key concern is whether the Trump administration would honor court rulings. The administration has faced various lawsuits over Trump’s executive orders, raising doubts about compliance with the judicial system. Some of Trump’s advisors have hinted they might disregard unfavorable decisions.

Aaron Reitz, nominated to lead the DOJ’s Office of Legal Policy, responded to inquiries from the Senate Judiciary Committee. He stated it isn’t a clear-cut rule that public officials must always follow court decisions. There could be situations where they are bound and others where they might not be.

Sauer’s confirmation hearing included intense exchanges with Democrats, particularly regarding his previous defense of Trump in a Supreme Court case. Illinois Senator Dick Durbin expressed concern about whether Trump would follow court orders, warning that failing to do so could place him above the law.

Sauer defended his stance, asserting that he doesn’t believe the scenario of a president defying a court order is realistic. He referred to his experience representing Trump over the last two years, stating that such defiance is unlikely.

Questions about Sauer’s legal positions raised eyebrows among some senators, including Adam Schiff from California. Schiff challenged Sauer over comments he previously made, suggesting that a president could evade prosecution for serious actions unless impeached first. Sauer clarified that while he acknowledged impeachment might be required, he found the hypothetical situation proposed by Schiff to be extreme and unlikely.

The hearing highlighted broader concerns regarding presidential power and accountability. With the Republican-controlled Senate, it appears Sauer may be on a favorable path to confirmation, which would place him in a crucial role in defending Trump’s agenda before the Supreme Court.

Overall, this confirmation process underscores ongoing tensions about the balance of power, the rule of law, and how the Department of Justice navigates legal challenges faced by the executive branch.

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