Trending Now

‘Unbelievable drama’ when US Attorney refuses AG Barr’s order to step down and be replaced

June 20, 2020 | | Print Article

Get the latest BPR news delivered free to your inbox daily. SIGN UP HERE.

All hell broke loose in the political world Friday evening when an insubordinate U.S. attorney refused to comply with demands from Attorney General Bill Barr that he step down from his post and allow someone else to take his place.

The debacle began around 9:00 pm Friday evening, when the Justice Department put out a statement from Barr announcing temporary and permanent replacements for U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Geoffrey Berman.

“I am pleased to announce that President Trump intends to nominate Jay Clayton, currently the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, to serve as the next United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York,” he said.

“On my recommendation, the President has appointed Craig Carpenito, currently the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, to serve as the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, while the Senate is considering Jay Clayton’s nomination. This appointment will be effective July 3.”

And so Carpenito was to temporarily replace Berman as the GOP-controlled Senate deliberated over Clayton’s nomination.

“Finally, I thank Geoffrey Berman, who is stepping down after two-and-a-half years of service as United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York,” Barr added.

Case closed, right?

But about two hours later, Berman put out a statement to Twitter announcing that he had no intention of stepping down until Clayton is confirmed.

He also took a subtle shot at Barr for apparently not informing him beforehand of the DOJ’s move, writing, “I learned in a press release from the Attorney General tonight that I was ‘stepping down’ as United States Attorney.”

“I will step down when a presidentially appointed nominee is confirmed by the Senate,” he added. “Until then, our investigations will move forward without delay or interruption.”

“I cherish every day that I work with the men and women of this Office to pursue justice without fear or favor – and intend to ensure that this Office’s important cases continue unimpeded.”

View his full statement below:

And just like that the political world blew up.

Look:

Yet it’s not clear that this is really a big deal. On one hand, he still plans to step down as soon as he’s formally replaced. But on the other, he’s refusing to step down now.

Regardless, tribal operatives from the left (congressional Democrats and everybody in the mainstream media) predictably quickly staked out #OrangeManBad positions in favor of Berman following his announcement.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer went so far as to accuse both President Donald Trump and AG Barr of being up to something nefarious.

“This late Friday night dismissal reeks of potential corruption of the legal process,” he wrote without citing any real evidence. “What is angering President Trump? A previous action by this U.S. Attorney or one that is ongoing?”

Look:

See more glaringly partisan blue-check-mark responses below:

It’s a sign of “character and ethics” to disobey orders from above!?

The evidence suggests Berman is fighting for himself, not America.

There’s no evidence to suggest Berman’s rebelliousness was rooted in a desire to aid the so-called “Resistance.” In fact, Berman was reportedly one of several attorneys responsible for authorizing “Resistance” hero Michael Avenatti’s arrest this past January. After Avenatti’s conviction a month later, Berman praised the jury.

He’s a hero for what exactly?

The response on the right has been significantly more muted, perhaps because conservatives have been busy concerning themselves with more pressing issues.

For instance, as left-wing voices were busy late Friday portraying Berman as a hero, left-wing extremists were busy toppling more statues, distributing literature on how to make bombs and being menaces to society.

Look:

So what happens next? According to investigative reporter John Solomon, there’s a chance Barr may just outright fire Berman.

If that happens, expect more partisan rancor to flood social media.

DONATE TO BIZPAC REVIEW

Please help us! If you are fed up with letting radical big tech execs, phony fact-checkers, tyrannical liberals and a lying mainstream media have unprecedented power over your news please consider making a donation to BPR to help us fight them. Now is the time. Truth has never been more critical!

$10
$15
$25
$50
Other
$
Success! Thank you for donating. Please share BPR content to help combat the lies.
Vivek Saxena
Latest posts by Vivek Saxena (see all)

Comment

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.

BPR INSIDER COMMENTS

Scroll down for non-member comments or join our insider conversations by becoming a member. We'd love to have you!

Latest Articles