The Daily Holding the Attorney General in Contempt
May 9, 2019
Adam Liptak, the Supreme Court correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the contentious battle between Congress and Attorney General William Barr. He discusses the implications of executive privilege used to withhold the Mueller report and how this could threaten the separation of powers. The conversation sheds light on the complexities of impeachment as a tool for investigation and the challenges faced by Congress in ensuring accountability. Liptak also emphasizes the critical role of journalism in navigating this chaotic political landscape.
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Unprecedented Resistance
- The Trump administration's refusal to comply with any congressional subpoenas is unprecedented.
- This total resistance sets a new precedent in the history of US government interactions.
Democrats' Options
- Democrats have four options to compel cooperation: historical detainment (unlikely), contempt, court action, or impeachment.
- Detainment hasn't been used since 1935, making contempt, court action, or impeachment more realistic options.
Court Option Timeline
- Pursuing the court option to compel compliance is likely to be a lengthy process, potentially taking years.
- The Fast and Furious case involving Eric Holder provides an example of such protracted legal battles.