In an emotional farewell speech to Justice Department employees, he also stressed the importance of maintaining the independence of the department from the White House and Congress.
Mr. Garland did not specifically mention Donald Trump or the President-elect's nominee, Ms. Pam Bondi, to be his successor as attorney-general.
But some of his remarks were clearly aimed at the incoming administration.
"I know that you have faced unfounded attacks simply for doing your jobs," Mr. Garland told Justice Department staff.
"But the story that has been told by some outside of this building about what has happened inside of it is wrong.
This story is from the January 18, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 18, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In

Lionesses' New War Cry - Play To Win
Coach Bencherifa credits 'mindset shift' to overseas players; looks to 2025's big events

Trump's foreign aid freeze hurts Indonesian health programmes and aid workers
Efforts to fight against HIV/Aids and towards tuberculosis eradication may be affected

Qualifier Lee hopes S'pore Classic sets tone for 2025
Singapore's Brayden Lee will tee up for the biggest tournament of his career in March, after the 17-year-old qualified for the Porsche Singapore Classic on Feb 18.

An election Budget? Maybe not in the way you think
There is little doubt Budget 2025 is an election Budget.

Incentives to boost adoption of electric heavy vehicles, fast charger installation
Road tax for such vehicles and buses will rise to account for loss of fuel excise duties

More help for seniors, including those living in private property
Seniors will get more help to outfit their homes with age-friendly features, pay for their medical needs and receive higher subsidies should they require long-term care.

Benefits for families with three or more young children
Couples will get up to $16,000 in additional support for each third and subsequent child
HDB carparks ● Barriers will be lifted during a fire
We refer to Mr Sim Eng Cheong's letter \"Do more to ensure vehicles can leave carpark quickly during fire\" (Feb 3) and Dr Yik Keng Yeong's letter \"Flee carpark fire first and worry about vehicle later\" (Feb 4).

S'pore companies to receive more funding support to train staff
Companies with at least three Singaporean and permanent resident employees will receive a fresh $10,000 credit as part of efforts to help employers defray out-of-pocket costs for workforce transformation.
Books Kinokuniya at Takashimaya Downsizing
Books Kinokuniya's flagship store in Takashimaya Shopping Centre in Orchard Road will have its size reduced, with the vacated space taken over by, among others, a new cafe.