NOT HOW THIS WORKS
‘I Make the Decision’: Barr Says He Will Not Commit to Recusing Himself From Mueller Investigation

William Barr, President Donald Trump’s handpicked nominee to become Attorney General, has just said he would not commit to recusing himself from overseeing the Mueller investigation. Like the current Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, Barr said he would consult with the Dept. of Justice ethics officials but would make the decision to recuse himself.
“Under the regulations, I make the decision,” Barr said emphatically.
Whitaker was advised to recuse by DOJ ethics officials but chose to ignore them.
Former DOJ spokesperson under Attorney General Eric Holder, and frequent MSNBC Justice and Security Analyst Matthew Miller says Barr would be “breaking precedent” to not recuse.
Barr’s commitment to seek but not necessarily follow the advice of ethics officials is the Whitaker standard and falls short of what Holder, Sessions, Rosenstein, and Yates all committed to – to follow that advice. It’s obviously deliberate that he’s breaking precedent.
— Matthew Miller (@matthewamiller) January 15, 2019
Monday night Miller also said, “There is no world in which he doesn’t need to recuse.”
The details of this are stunning. In addition to discussing his memo with Trump’s personal attorneys, Barr also shared or discussed it with Kushner’s lawyer. There is no world in which he doesn’t need to recuse. https://t.co/DPApNxJHBZ
— Matthew Miller (@matthewamiller) January 14, 2019
Former chief White House ethics lawyer Richard Painter says “Barr has no choice but to recuse from the Russia investigation.”
Under these circumstances Barr has no choice but to recuse from the Russia investigation. He has been appointed by a president who is a subject of that investigation. There is no way that he can oversee it. He must promise to recuse or not be confirmed.https://t.co/0G52oHvMTF
— Richard W. Painter (@RWPUSA) January 15, 2019
Watch Barr’s remarks on not recusing:
William Barr refuses to commit to taking the advice of ethics officials within the DoJ if they recommend he should recuse himself from the Mueller investigation solely, saying that he makes the decision ultimately on recusal. pic.twitter.com/ka6sBTcq8M
— Amee Vanderpool (@girlsreallyrule) January 15, 2019
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.
![]() |