Former U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr has raised concerns about the potential triumph of Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race, despite the Department of Justice’s ongoing probe into Trump’s alleged role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.
Speaking on Fox News’ Cavuto Live, Barr suggested that Trump might strategically delay the federal prosecution, led by Special Counsel Jack Smith, allowing him to reclaim the presidency before facing criminal charges.
Special Counsel Jack Smith, appointed by the DOJ in November 2022 to investigate Trump’s involvement in the Capitol riot, is facing potential obstacles as Barr highlighted Trump’s ability to use various tactics to navigate the legal landscape.
The recent Supreme Court decision not to expedite a ruling on Trump’s presidential immunity further complicates the legal saga.
Barr, who served as attorney general under George H. W. Bush and in the Trump administration, discussed the core legal debate surrounding presidential immunity. He emphasized the concept of absolute immunity for official presidential functions, asserting its necessity.
The debate revolves around whether Trump, during the Capitol riot, was acting as a candidate or within official presidential functions. Barr highlighted the government’s stance versus Trump’s defense, which claims immunity for official functions, even if performed with a campaign purpose.
Addressing another legal setback, Barr disapproved of the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision to disqualify Trump from the state’s ballots. He urged the U.S. Supreme Court to promptly overturn the ruling, deeming the legal argument “ridiculous” and warning of its potential to deepen political divisions.
The Colorado court’s use of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to disqualify Trump is unprecedented, raising questions about the broader implications of applying constitutional provisions to bar candidates from running for office.
When asked about his hypothetical choice between Trump and President Joe Biden in the 2024 election, Barr remained cautious, stating that he would jump off that bridge when I get to it.
