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Biden: The U.S. attorney general ‘is not the president’s lawyer’

Published

3 years ago

December 22, 2020

Screen Shot 2020 12 22 at 3.46.16 PM scaled

President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday said the “attorney general of the United States of America is not the president’s lawyer,” when asked if the federal investigation into his son Hunter Biden was brought up during discussions with his team and in meetings with candidates for U.S. attorney general.

“No, no. I guarantee you I’m going to do what I said,” when asked by a reporter about if the ongoing investigation into Hunter Biden’s taxes came up in those talks related to picking who will eventually become his U.S. attorney general.

“The attorney general of the United States of America is not the president’s lawyer,” the president-elect said. “I will appoint someone who I expect to enforce the law as the law is written, not guided by me.”

"The attorney general of the United States of America is not the president’s lawyer," Joe Biden says when asked if the investigation into his son Hunter came up in his talks with candidates for AG. pic.twitter.com/OdyUMWYqa6
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) December 22, 2020

Biden, however, is unlikely to pick his attorney general before Christmas, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Tuesday.

A person often cited as the leading contender to be Biden’s nominee for the job is recently ousted Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.), who is also the former U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Alabama. Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez and former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates have also been cited as being in contention for the role.

The outgoing attorney general, William Barr, who recently resigned, has been a source of controversy for the Trump administration by critics for engaging in conduct seen as being overly protective of President Donald Trump and his administration. However, Trump has been at odds with Barr for failing to complete the Durham probe into the FBI’s conduct during Robert Mueller’s Russia probe. before the end of his term and for failing to fully investigate the 2020 election.

Monday this week, in the lead-up to his departure, Barr said he would not appoint a special counsel to investigate neither Hunter Biden nor Trump’s so far unsubstantiated allegations of widespread election fraud in the 2020 presidential election.

You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @Douglas_P_Braff.

Featured

Historic House Vote Expels Rep. George Santos Amidst Scandal

Published

3 days ago

December 1, 2023

Alexander Carter

In a turn of events, the House of Representatives made history on Friday with a vote to expel Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), marking the first such expulsion in over two decades. A moment fraught with gravity unfolded as Speaker Mike Johnson wielded his gavel to formalize Santos’ removal, setting a precedent in congressional annals.

Santos, indicted on 23 counts related to wire fraud, identity theft, and other charges, has not faced conviction but stands accused of misusing campaign funds for opulent purchases. The bipartisan vote, tallying 311 to 114, signaled robust support for expulsion, with a marginally higher number of Republicans opting to retain Santos.

Questions loomed as Speaker Johnson left the chamber, his silence leaving the fate of the ongoing government spending battle uncertain. According to reports from Fox News, Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer emphasized the non-partisan nature of the decision, asserting that members concluded Santos had tarnished the House’s reputation and was unfit for representation.

Within the GOP, conflicting opinions emerged, with Rep. Darrell Issa arguing against expulsion, citing the presumption of innocence. The tight-lipped stance of the House Ethics Committee played a pivotal role in the deliberations.

Conversely, members of the New York Republican delegation, led by Rep. Marc Molinaro, asserted Santos’ commission of crimes, justifying expulsion based on a comprehensive investigation.

Santos himself predicted the outcome in an exclusive morning interview on “FOX & Friends.” This vote not only underlines the House’s rare use of expulsion powers but also sets a critical precedent in handling members facing severe legal challenges.