Bill Barr's comments on Donald Trump's discussion of potential executions raise concerns

Bill Barr's comments on Donald Trump's discussion of potential executions raise concerns.

By Jone Jones | Sunday, April 28, 2024 | 5 min read

Former Attorney General William Barr's statement regarding former President Donald Trump's remarks is quite significant. It suggests that Trump frequently discussed extreme measures like executing his political opponents. Such comments, if accurate, would undoubtedly raise concerns about Trump's commitment to democratic norms and the rule of law. Barr's statement underscores the contentious and tumultuous nature of Trump's presidency, particularly regarding his rhetoric and approach to political opponents.

Barr's stance, as reported, is indeed remarkable. Despite his prior warning about the risks associated with voting for Trump, he ultimately chose to support him in the November election. Moreover, Barr's assertion that Trump frequently discussed the notion of executing his political rivals adds another layer to the complexities of Trump's presidency and the dynamics within his administration. It raises questions about the extent to which such discussions may have influenced decision-making processes and the overall climate within the White House.

Barr's nonchalant admission during the CNN interview, particularly in response to Kaitlan Collins mentioning Alyssa Farah Griffin's claim about Trump's suggestion of executing a White House leaker, is significant. It provides further insight into the atmosphere within the Trump administration and the extent of Trump's rhetoric regarding extreme measures against perceived adversaries. Barr's acknowledgment of being present during such discussions underscores the gravity of the situation and raises questions about the ethical and moral considerations within the highest echelons of government during that time.

Barr recalled Trump's anger over the issue but couldn't distinctly recall the term "executing" being used. However, he didn't dismiss the possibility and acknowledged Trump's tendency to make such statements in fits of temper. He expressed doubt about Trump's willingness to follow through with such extreme actions.

Collins pressed further, asking why such remarks shouldn't be taken seriously.

Barr argued that ultimately, such extreme orders wouldn't be carried out, and reasoned that Trump could be persuaded to reconsider. However, Collins countered that even if the orders weren't executed, the threat remained.

Barr maintained his stance, insisting that there was no actual threat behind Trump's statements.

“I don‘t think the threat is there. The thing that I worry about President Trump is not that he’s going to become an autocrat and do those kinds of things,” Barr said.

When Collins inquired as to why Barr believes that, and whether or not it’s a “hunch,” Barr responded that it was just his “feeling.”

“Having worked for him and seen him in action, I don’t think he would actually go and kill political rivals and things like that,” Barr claimed.

Later in the interview, Collins read aloud Trump’s mocking response to Barr following his endorsement. Barr replied by effectively kowtowing: “Classic Trump,” he said.

The “real threat to Democracy,” Barr claimed, came from the Biden administration, as opposed to the former president who has been indicted for his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection.