Resource KT
Related Articles
Top line
President Donald Trump tweeted wednesday that a special advocate on electoral fraud is needed “immediately”, in what appears to be his most public pressure to date for an independent federal investigator to examine his allegations of fraud on the same day as Attorney General William Barr, who opposed the appointment of a special advocate, leaves the Ministry of Justice.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump walk the South Lawn of the White House on … [+]
Getty Images
Highlights
Trump falsely tweeted that last month’s election was plagued by “massive voter fraud,” a claim that has been contradicted by state and federal officials from both parties and that the president and his allies have failed. have not produced evidence in court.
The president said he disagreed with anyone who thinks that a “strong, quick and fair” special advocate is unnecessary, possibly referring to Barr, who told reporters on Monday morning that a special advocate was not needed.
Crucial quote
“It was the most corrupt election in our country’s history, and it needs to be looked at closely!” Trump tweeted.
Key context
In recent weeks, as Trump’s legal and political efforts to reverse his electoral defeat have collapsed, he has reportedly weighed unprecedented long-drawn-out strategies to stay in power. Last Friday, Trump discussed the possibility of asking conspiracy theory attorney Sidney Powell to serve as special advisor on electoral fraud, several electrical outlets reported. Powell later claimed that she was banned of the White House and the Daily beast reported that Trump had decided not to hire him, although Wednesday’s tweet indicates that Trump is still considering the idea of a special advocate.
Tangent
Under DOJ rules, special advocates are hired and fired by the attorney general, not the president. Barr a argued a special advocate for electoral fraud is not necessary, and it is said last month investigators saw no evidence of fraud on a scale that could reverse the election result. But Wednesday was Barr’s last day as head of the DOJ, and it’s unclear where new acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen stands on the matter.
What to watch out for
Some observers fear Rosen – who arrived at the Justice Department just 18 months ago and has no prosecution experience – might be more responsive to Trump’s demands. “I think he will be more of a loyal soldier in the White House, where Barr is more his own man,” an unnamed prosecutor said. NPR.
Further reading
Will Jeffrey Rosen, William Barr’s replacement, resist pressure from the White House? (NPR)
[ad_2]
