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Bill Barr
Former U.S. Attorney General (twice)
Two-time AG who intervened in DOJ matters to benefit political allies; mischaracterized the Mueller Report
Overview
William Pelham Barr served as the 77th and 85th United States Attorney General under Presidents George H.W. Bush (1991-1993) and Donald Trump (2019-2020). During his second tenure; Barr issued a 4-page summary of the Mueller Report that Special Counsel Robert Mueller himself said "did not fully capture the context; nature; and substance" of the investigation's findings. Mueller wrote to Barr that his summary created "public confusion about critical aspects of the results." Barr intervened in the sentencing recommendations for Trump associates Roger Stone and Michael Flynn; overruling career prosecutors in both cases. The four prosecutors in the Stone case withdrew in protest. Barr ordered the tear-gassing of peaceful protesters in Lafayette Square on June 1, 2020 to clear the way for Trump's photo opportunity at St. John's Church. The DOJ Inspector General later found that the Park Police had planned the clearing operation before Trump's walk. During his first tenure under Bush; Barr advised the president on pardons for six Iran-Contra figures; effectively ending the independent counsel's investigation. He promoted the expansion of federal incarceration and advocated for more aggressive policing policies.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
Issued a 4-page "summary" of the Mueller Report on March 24, 2019 that claimed the report found "no collusion"; Mueller wrote Barr a letter stating the summary "did not fully capture the context; nature; and substance" of the investigation
Intervened to reduce sentencing recommendation for Roger Stone from 7-9 years to a "far less" term; all four career prosecutors on the case withdrew in protest; one resigned from the DOJ entirely
Ordered the dropping of charges against Michael Flynn despite Flynn having twice pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI; the presiding judge appointed an amicus to argue against dismissal
Oversaw the clearing of Lafayette Square of peaceful protesters on June 1, 2020 using tear gas, rubber bullets, and mounted police; clearing the path for Trump's photo-op at St. John's Church
Advised President Bush on pardoning six Iran-Contra defendants on Christmas Eve 1992; including Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger; effectively ending independent counsel Lawrence Walsh's investigation
Launched "Operation Legend" in 2020; deploying federal agents to cities with Democratic mayors during Black Lives Matter protests; critics called it political theater
Publicly stated there was no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election; contradicting Trump; subsequently resigned on December 23, 2020
At the CIA in the 1970s; worked during the period of domestic surveillance programs; later advocated for expansive executive power and limited accountability as AG
Related Investigations (3)
Known Associates & Connections
Donald Trump
Appointed Barr as AG; Barr intervened in cases involving Trump allies Stone and Flynn
Robert Mueller
Special Counsel whose report Barr was accused of mischaracterizing
Roger Stone
Barr intervened to reduce his sentencing recommendation; prompting prosecutor resignations
Sources & Documentation
3 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
- Born
- May 23, 1950
- Birthplace
- New York City, New York, USA
Education
- •Columbia University; B.A. Government 1971; M.A. Government and Chinese Studies 1973
- •George Washington University Law School; J.D. 1977
Key Timeline
May 23, 1950
Born in New York City
1973-1977
Worked at CIA while attending law school at night
1991
Appointed Attorney General by President George H.W. Bush at age 41
December 24, 1992
Advised Bush on pardons for six Iran-Contra defendants; ending the investigation
February 14, 2019
Confirmed as Attorney General for second time under President Trump
March 22, 2019
Received Mueller Report from Special Counsel
March 24, 2019
Released 4-page "summary" of Mueller Report; Mueller wrote letter protesting mischaracterization
February 11, 2020
Intervened in Roger Stone sentencing; all four prosecutors withdrew from case
May 7, 2020
DOJ moved to drop charges against Michael Flynn despite guilty pleas
June 1, 2020
Oversaw clearing of Lafayette Square protesters ahead of Trump's St. John's Church photo-op
December 1, 2020
Told AP there was no evidence of fraud affecting 2020 election outcome; contradicting Trump
December 23, 2020
Resigned as Attorney General