Attorney General William Barr struggled to offer a response during a round of questioning from Rep. Hank Johnson during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday.
Johnson, a Democrat, peppered the attorney general with questions about the Roger Stone sentencing, President Trump’s Twitter feed, and Barr’s role as head of the Justice Department and handling of the case.
“You filed a sentencing recommendation hours after President Trump tweeted his dissatisfaction with the Stone recommendation,” Johnson said.
“No, the night before … ” Barr started to answer.
“I know your story,” Johnson replied.
“I’m telling my story, that’s what I’m here to do … That’s why I’m here,” Barr shot back.
Johnson replied: “You’re here to answer my questions.”
It was one of several instances on Tuesday during which Democrats asked Barr probing questions about his conversations with Trump and conduct as attorney general but did not allow Barr to offer a response.
Democrats have attempted to paint Barr as a shill for Trump who is assisting in his reelection campaign.
“You really can’t hide behind legal fictions this time, Mr. Barr. It’s all out in the open,” said Chairman Jerry Nadler earlier in the hearing. “The president wants footage for his campaign ads, and you appear to be serving it up to him as ordered. In most of these cities, the protests had begun to wind down before you marched in and confronted the protesters. … In this moment, real leadership would entail deescalation … instead, you use pepper spray and truncheons on American citizens. … Shame on you, Mr. Barr.”
