Attorney General William Barr is announcing that he does not intend to conduct criminal investigations into former President Barack Obama or former Vice President Joe Biden.
During a press conference at the Justice Department, Barr discussed U.S Attorney John Durham’s probe into what President Donald Trump has declared “Obamagate.”
Barr began by noting that “there is a difference between abuse of power and a federal crime.
“Not every abuse of power, no matter how outrageous, is necessarily a federal crime,” Barr clarified on Monday morning.
Barr went on to admit that the current information he has likely will not lead to Durham pursuing charges against Obama or Biden.
“As to President Obama and Vice President Obama, whatever their level of involvement, based on the information I have today, I don’t expect Mr. Durham’s work will lead to a criminal investigation of either man,” Barr confirmed.
He added, “Our concern over potential criminality is focused on others.” (
See Barr’s remarks below:
#BREAKING: AG Barr: "As to President Obama and Vice President Obama, whatever their level of involvement, based on the information I have today, I don't expect Mr. Durham's work will lead to a criminal investigation of either man." pic.twitter.com/JFT0aPCMmG
— The Hill (@thehill) May 18, 2020
The latest development follows Trump’s call for Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) to have Obama testify before Congress.
On Thursday, Trump took to Twitter to discuss what he considers “the biggest political crime and scandal in the history of the USA.” He also pressed Graham to take action, as previously reported on IJR.
“If I were a Senator or Congressman, the first person I would call to testify about the biggest political crime and scandal in the history of the USA, by FAR, is former President Obama. He knew EVERYTHING,” Trump tweeted, adding, “Do it [Lindsey Graham], just do it. No more Mr. Nice Guy. No more talk!”
If I were a Senator or Congressman, the first person I would call to testify about the biggest political crime and scandal in the history of the USA, by FAR, is former President Obama. He knew EVERYTHING. Do it @LindseyGrahamSC, just do it. No more Mr. Nice Guy. No more talk!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 14, 2020
Despite Trump’s call for an investigation into the former president, Graham’s response was relatively similar to Barr’s statement. While he did sympathize with Trump, he admitted that he didn’t anticipate Obama testifying.
“I’m not anticipating calling President Obama,” Graham said, adding, “I think the president’s got a real good reason to be upset with the Obama people.”
