Former U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr’s recent comments about Donald Trump’s reported threats to execute a White House leaker have caused alarm and concern on social media. In an interview with CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins, Barr acknowledged that Trump was very angry about the leaked information but did not remember specifically using the word “executing.” He mentioned that Trump would say things like that to blow off steam, but he doubted he would carry out such threats. Barr also defended his decision to vote for Trump over President Joe Biden in the upcoming 2024 election, citing the progressive movement and the Biden administration as threats to democracy.
Barr’s comments have received backlash from Democrats and journalists, who criticized his nonchalant response to Trump’s alleged threats of violence. Representative Jasmine Crockett from Texas questioned Barr’s indifference to the situation and pointed out his support for Trump despite his past behavior. Former FBI Special Agent Asha Rangappa suggested that Trump may have refrained from carrying out his threats due to potential legal consequences. Journalist Will Steakin raised concerns about Barr taking Trump’s comments about executions literally at times, while historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat expressed her lack of surprise at Trump’s thirst for power and repression.
In response to Barr’s comments, a spokesperson for Trump referenced the former president’s post on the Truth Social platform, where he thanked Barr for endorsing him despite their past disagreements. Barr’s interview with Collins was prompted by a post from former Trump aide Alyssa Farah Griffin, who claimed to have been present in the Oval Office when Trump made the comment about executing a White House leaker. Griffin’s statement was in response to Trump’s legal team arguing for presidential immunity in a case related to election interference. The Supreme Court raised concerns about the extent of immunity, questioning whether it would cover extreme actions like ordering assassinations.
The incident in question took place in May 2020, when Trump reportedly retreated to the White House bunker during protests following George Floyd’s death. The protests, sparked by Floyd’s killing, led to heightened security measures at the White House, with Trump spending nearly an hour in the bunker designed for emergencies. Griffin, along with Barr and other officials, heard Trump discuss executing the leaker responsible for the embarrassing leak. The gravity of Trump’s words and actions during this period underscores the concerns raised by Barr’s recent comments and his continued support for the former president.
Overall, Barr’s remarks regarding Trump’s alleged threats of violence highlight the challenges of holding elected officials accountable for their actions and words. The response from various individuals and the political implications of Barr’s statements underscore the complexities of addressing misconduct and ethical lapses within the government. The recurring theme of loyalty to political figures and the potential erosion of democratic norms serve as a cautionary tale for the future of American politics and governance.
