Bill Barr's Role in Highlighting 2020 Mail-in Ballot Issue Uncovered

A recent report from the Justice Department's inspector general has revealed that former Attorney General Bill Barr played a significant role in publicizing an incident involving nine discarded mail-in ballots for Donald Trump during the 2020 election. This incident, which was used to support unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud, was ultimately determined to be an error by a contractor, with no criminal charges filed. Despite Barr's involvement, the inspector general concluded that he did not violate any internal policies, citing his broad discretion as attorney general. The report indicates that Barr "encouraged and authorized" U.S. Attorney David Freed to issue a press release detailing the incident, a decision that several DOJ attorneys deemed "unusual." The inspector general noted that the release contradicted DOJ rules that limit public disclosures of ongoing investigations and discourage actions that could influence elections. Freed defended his actions, stating that his public statements were approved by Barr or his senior staff. Critics have pointed to the timing and content of the press release as an attempt to bolster Trump's claims of voter fraud. The report also highlighted that Freed's initial comments suggested potential criminal conduct related to the ballot disposal, which Trump later amplified on a national radio show. Both Barr and Freed declined to be interviewed during the investigation. In light of these findings, the inspector general has recommended that the DOJ clarify its internal policies regarding public disclosures, particularly concerning what information can be shared with the White House and the applicability of these protocols to the attorney general.