The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) responded to President Trump's recent speech at the U.S. Department of Justice with a statement from its Executive Director, Anthony D. Romero.
Romero highlighted the contributions of Ambassador Norman Eisen, describing him as "a great American patriot, with an extraordinary career in public service." He emphasized Eisen's long-standing dedication to serving the American people and defending democracy both domestically and internationally.
Romero expressed concern over what he described as personal attacks by the President on individuals like Eisen. "It is a sad day when the President of the United States personally attacks an individual of such character," Romero stated.
He further commented on the role of organizations like CREW and ACLU in legal actions against the federal government, noting their importance in maintaining American values. "When charitable organizations like CREW, the ACLU, and others sue the federal government to uphold the law, we are playing a vital role in upholding American values," said Romero.
Romero concluded by warning about a troubling trend reminiscent of McCarthyism. "It’s increasingly clear that we’re entering a modern McCarthy moment," he remarked. He criticized governmental actions targeting various entities and individuals as threats to democracy: "When the government is targeting a former ambassador, a legal permanent resident, law firms, and even universities and treating them like enemies of the state, it is a dark day for American democracy."