Opinion: William Barr has shamelessly corrupted the Mueller report
By E.J. Dionne Jr. E.J. Dionne Jr. Columnist covering national politics Email Bio Follow Columnist May 1 at 3:40 PM One of our most colorful legal concepts is the “fruit of the poisonous tree.” The phrase was introduced by Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter 80 years ago to hold that evidence obtained illegally cannot be used to convict a defendant.
Though it would be nice to see an outpouring of public apologies from those who were snookered by Barr, I am not anticipating a run on sackcloth. But it is very heartening — but also, in light of Barr’s subsequent conduct, very disturbing — to know that one person who was infuriated by what Barr did was Mueller himself.
Recovering from Barr’s original sin is well-nigh impossible. Of course, we now know what the report said. Congress can investigate, and the House can even impeach. But the political context for such decisions is irreparably warped. It will take enormous work to overcome that first impression Barr so deviously created.
It was Van Hollen who — two weeks after Mueller had registered his complaint — had asked Barr an un-senatorially direct question: “Did Bob Mueller support your conclusion?”Lawyers might argue over whether this was an outright lie, but to call Barr’s answer misleading and obfuscatory is rather kind. Trump must have been very proud of his attorney general.
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Opinion | Five questions for William Barr, in light of new Mueller revelationsWe've now learned that Mueller expressed dismay with Barr's presentation of his work.
Weiterlesen »
AG William Barr hearing live updates: Mueller letter furor 'mind-bendingly bizarre'Attorney General William Barr faced a grilling from lawmakers on Wednesday over his controversial handling of special counsel Robert Mueller's report as the nation's top law enforcement officer returned to Capitol Hill for the first time since releasing the probe's highly anticipated findings
Weiterlesen »
Attorney General William Barr criticizes special counsel Robert Mueller for not saying whether Trump obstructed justiceBarr's testimony Wednesday intensified Democrats' calls for Mueller himself to testify and led some of them to accuse Barr of giving misleading answers.
Weiterlesen »
William Barr hearing on Mueller report live updates: Stop using DOJ as 'political weapon,' AG saysAttorney General William Barr faced a grilling from lawmakers on Wednesday over his controversial handling of special counsel Robert Mueller's report as the nation's top law enforcement officer returned to Capitol Hill for the first time since releasing the probe's highly anticipated findings
Weiterlesen »
William Barr, in opening statement, defends handling of Mueller reportMueller, however, appeared unhappy with Barr’s initial handling of the report.
Weiterlesen »
William Barr Explains Finding of No Obstruction on Mueller ProbeThe special counsel probe was meant to deliver a verdict on criminality, not to simply report facts to the public, Attorney General William Barr said in explaining why he determined President Trump’s actions didn’t amount to obstruction of justice.
Weiterlesen »
Attorney General William Barr grilled over his differences with special counsel Robert MuellerWatch as Attorney General William Barr gives his opening statement during his hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee this morning.
Weiterlesen »