Trump AG Pick Sent Unsolicited Memo To DOJ In June Criticizing Russia Probe

(Eingeschränkte Rechte für bestimmte redaktionelle Kunden in Deutschland. Limited rights for specific editorial clients in Germany.) DiaJurist, Politiker, USAJustizministerPortrait- 1992 (Photo by Gisbert Paech/ull... (Eingeschränkte Rechte für bestimmte redaktionelle Kunden in Deutschland. Limited rights for specific editorial clients in Germany.) DiaJurist, Politiker, USAJustizministerPortrait- 1992 (Photo by Gisbert Paech/ullstein bild via Getty Images) MORE LESS
Start your day with TPM.
Sign up for the Morning Memo newsletter

William Barr, President Donald Trump’s pick to replace ousted Attorney General Jeff Sessions, sent a letter to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein in June, criticizing the Russia probe, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The 20-page memo focused specifically on the obstruction of justice portion of special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation. According to the WSJ’s review of the document, Barr said Trump was acting within his authority when he fired former FBI Director James Comey. Barr offered his insight as a “former official” whose “views may be useful” before calling the investigation “fatally misconceived.”

“As I understand it, his theory is premised on a novel and legally insupportable reading of the law,” Barr wrote, according to the WSJ. “Moreover, in my view, if credited by the Justice Department, it would have grave consequences far beyond the immediate confines of this case and would do lasting damage to the Presidency and to the administration of law within the Executive branch.”

Barr’s opinions on the Russia probe are of particular significance given the authority he’ll have over the investigation if confirmed. Lawmakers were already primed to grill Barr over his thoughts on the Russia probe.

Read the full WSJ report here.

Latest News

Notable Replies

  1. So basically, he sent in the relevant part of his resume to get trump’s attention

  2. There is zero chance Trump picks anyone who hasn’t already come out against the Russia probe. Just like he wasn’t picking anyone for SCOTUS who would say the president can’t pardon himself.

  3. So when did Barr send it, and who over at DoJ alerted Trump to it’s existence?

  4. The 20-page memo focused specifically on the obstruction of justice portion of [the SCO’s] investigation. […] Barr offered his insight as a “former official” whose “views may be useful”

    “Offered his insight” even though he had no idea what the evidence was.

     

    Barr’s opinions on the Russia probe are of particular significance given the authority he’ll have over the investigation if confirmed.

    Actually it’s worse than that.

    Imagine the DOJ being ruled by an Attorney General who works to delegitimize an investigation even though he doesn’t know the first thing about it.

  5. are there no pics of this guy after 1991?

Continue the discussion at forums.talkingpointsmemo.com

23 more replies

Participants

Avatar for system1 Avatar for jcs Avatar for ghost Avatar for dwward Avatar for sysprog Avatar for micaiah Avatar for cervantes Avatar for chelsea530 Avatar for ralph_vonholst Avatar for lastroth Avatar for phlebas Avatar for nemo Avatar for jonney_5 Avatar for wintermoon Avatar for lcbo Avatar for bankerpup Avatar for lizzymom Avatar for jruss Avatar for erik_t Avatar for seamus42 Avatar for atldrew Avatar for rascal_crone

Continue Discussion
Masthead Masthead
Founder & Editor-in-Chief:
Executive Editor:
Managing Editor:
Deputy Editor:
Editor at Large:
General Counsel:
Publisher:
Head of Product:
Director of Technology:
Associate Publisher:
Front End Developer:
Senior Designer: