Schumer calls on Trump to withdraw Barr nomination

Source: Politico

CONGRESS

Schumer calls on Trump to withdraw Barr nomination
By MARIANNE LEVINE 01/09/2019 11:30 AM EST

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday called on the president to withdraw William Barr’s nomination for attorney general, saying the nominee’s previous criticism of Robert Mueller’s probe disqualifies him to lead the Justice Department.

In remarks on the Senate floor, Schumer (D-N.Y.) cited a memo Barr wrote to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein last year that criticized Mueller’s Russia investigation. In the memo, Barr wrote that Mueller’s investigation of possible obstruction of justice was “fatally misconceived.” Barr also wrote that Mueller shouldn’t be allowed to “demand” that President Donald Trump be questioned about allegations of obstruction of justice.

“The Senate...should subject Mr. Barr’s views to the strictest of scrutiny next week and I still believe, after the revelations about Mr. Barr’s unsolicited memo, President Trump ought to withdraw this nomination,” Schumer said.

Rosenstein, who oversees Mueller’s probe, previously said the memo had no effect on the investigation. Rosenstein is expected to step down from the DOJ once the new attorney general is confirmed.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/story/2019/01/09/schumer-trump-barr-nomination-1090380