The ousting of U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman of the Southern District of New York is stoking new concerns that the Department of Justice has become politicized under President Donald Trump and Attorney General William Barr.
In a letter to Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz and Jeffrey Ragsdale — the Director and Chief Counsel of the Office of Professional Responsibility — on Monday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called for an investigation into the matter.
The letter read, “I ask that you review the reason for the removal of the U.S. Attorney Berman and whether he was removed for partisan political purposes, or to influence an investigation or prosecution, or to retaliate for his actions in any specific investigation or prosecution.”
Schumer continued to cite a previous investigation into a 2006 incident where U.S. attorneys were “told to resign.” He noted the investigation found that the offices determined that the resignations “severely damaged the credibility of the Department of Justice and raised doubts about the integrity of department prosecutive decisions.”
He added, “As the Attorney General was not truthful when he initially represented that U.S. Attorney Berman was ‘stepping down,’ this corrupt firing cannot be explained by cause and gives the impression that the President interfered in ongoing criminal investigations into himself and his associates.”
Finally, Schumer said, “To help restore confidence in and prevent further abuses to the administration of justice, the American people deserve to know the truth.”
Read the letter below:
The DOJ Inspector General and Office of Professional Responsibility must investigate why President Trump and Attorney General Barr fired U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman and whether he was removed for partisan political purposes, retaliation, or to influence an investigation. pic.twitter.com/LCROMtF4rp
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) June 22, 2020
Schumer’s letter comes after Berman stepped down from his position after initially declaring that he would not step down.
Late on Friday night, Barr said in a press release that Berman would resign from his post. However, Berman released a statement that said he was not leaving.
“I have not resigned, and have no intention of resigning my position,” Berman said, adding, “I will step down when a presidentially appointed nominee is confirmed by the Senate. Until then, our investigations will move forward without delay or interruption.”
Barr’s press release sparked speculation from critics that the move was politically motivated. Berman’s office is investigating Trump’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani — though no charges have been brought against Giuliani.
After Berman refused to step down, Barr said he was “surprised and quite disappointed” and accused Berman of engaging in “public spectacle over public service.”
Additionally, Barr said that Trump had fired Berman at his request.
“I have asked the President to remove you as of today, and he has done so,” Barr said.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump denied that he was aware Berman was investigating Giuliani and said Barr asked him to fire Berman.
“If (Barr) wants to do something … I don’t get involved,” Trump said, adding, “But the president has to sign a document, where I guess you give it your OK. And he wants to run his operation, and that’s okay with me.”
Trump also said he spent “very little time talking about” why Barr wanted Berman removed.
