Liz Oyer, the former U.S. Pardon Attorney, recently shared her experience of feeling threatened by the Trump administration after she was asked to testify before Congress regarding the circumstances of her firing. Oyer claims she was dismissed from her position in March 2023 after refusing to fulfill what she described as a politically motivated request to reinstate gun rights for actor Mel Gibson, a known friend of former President Trump.
Oyer explained that she was abruptly let go via a brief memo, having served as a career employee under the Department of Justice. Shortly before her planned congressional testimony in April, she received a call informing her that armed special deputy U.S. marshals were dispatched to her home to deliver a warning against testifying. Oyer interpreted this as an intimidation tactic intended to prevent her from speaking out.
Despite the intimidation, Oyer went forward with her testimony, asserting her commitment to revealing the “ongoing corruption and abuse of power” within the DOJ. She expressed concern that such tactics might deter others from coming forward about misconduct.
Oyer criticized the Trump administration’s approach to the pardon process, pointing out that thousands of clemency applications remain pending while politically connected individuals were granted pardons without proper consideration. She highlighted the significant financial implications of these pardons, particularly regarding white-collar criminals like Trevor Milton, who were pardoned without having repaid their victims.
The conversation with Oyer raises critical questions about the fairness and integrity of the justice system and reinforces the importance of transparency in government operations. Oyer emphasized her commitment to continuing to speak out against abuses of power and to educate the public about these important issues.
This discussion highlights the imperative of accountability within our federal systems and the need for ongoing vigilance to ensure that justice is fairly administered. The resilience of individuals like Oyer, who stand up against pressures to remain silent, is a hopeful reminder of the strength of democratic values.