US Attorney General William Barr to resign, president tweets
Dec 14, 2020, 3:50 PM | Updated: 4:40 pm
FILE - In this Oct. 15, 2020, file photo Attorney General William Barr speaks during a roundtable discussion on Operation Legend, a federal program to help cities combat violent crime in St. Louis. Attorney General William Barr said Tuesday, Dec. 1, that the Justice Department has not uncovered evidence of widespread voter fraud and has seen nothing that would change the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)
(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)
WASHINGTON — United States Attorney General William Barr plans to resign in order to spend Christmas with his family, President Donald Trump tweeted on Monday.
Just had a very nice meeting with Attorney General Bill Barr at the White House. Our relationship has been a very good one, he has done an outstanding job! As per letter, Bill will be leaving just before Christmas to spend the holidays with his family…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 14, 2020
In the tweet, the president wrote his relationship with Barr remains good after the decision to resign.
“Our relationship has been a very good one, he has done an outstanding job!” Mr. Trump wrote.
Related content: Disputing President Trump, Barr says no widespread election fraud
A second tweet indicated Deputy Attorney General Jeff Rosen will become acting Attorney General to replace Barr temporarily.
…Deputy Attorney General Jeff Rosen, an outstanding person, will become Acting Attorney General. Highly respected Richard Donoghue will be taking over the duties of Deputy Attorney General. Thank you to all! pic.twitter.com/V5sqOJT9PM
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 14, 2020
Earlier in December, Barr told reporters his office found no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the Nov. 3 presidential election, a conclusion that was at odds with the president.
In a letter announcing his intent to resign, Barr mentioned the voter fraud investigation but did not raise again his earlier conclusion.
“I appreciate the opportunity to update you this afternoon on the Department’s review of voter fraud allegations in the 2020 election and how these allegations will continue to be pursued,” Barr wrote. “At a time when the country is so deeply divided, it is incumbent on all levels of government, and all agencies acting within their purview, to do all we can to assure the integrity of elections and promote public confidence in their outcome.”
President Trump had previously expressed anger about Barr’s earlier statements that his department found no evidence of widespread election fraud.
Earlier in his tenure as attorney general, Barr became known as an unapologetic ally of the president’s.
Barr wrote he planned to leave office after Dec. 23, 2020.
