In this AFP file photo taken on September 09, 2019 US President Donald Trump (L) and Attorney General William Barr arrive to present the Medal of Valor and Heroic Commendations to officers and civilians who responded to mass shootings in Dayton, Ohio and El Paso, Texas, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC.
US President Donald Trump dismissed rare criticism from his attorney general Friday, tweeting that he has the "legal right" to intervene in criminal cases whenever he likes.
The Republican businessman has been accused by opponents in Congress of trying to strip away the Justice Departments independence to benefit himself and his allies.
He denies this but on Thursday he came under fire from his own attorney general, Bill Barr, who complained that Trumps frequent tweeting about ongoing criminal cases meant "I cannot do my job."
Barr told ABC News television that "its time to stop the tweeting."
The attorney generals unusual outburst followed controversy over former Trump advisor Roger Stone, who has been convicted of witness tampering and lying to Congress.
When prosecutors recommended a sentence of seven to nine years, Trump tweeted that this was a "miscarriage of justice."
Shortly after, in a move that shocked many in Washington, the Justice Department announced it was seeking a less severe sentence. Four prosecutors quit the case in protest.
Barr, who has been frequently accused of being too cozy with the president, told ABC that Trump "has never asked me to do anything in a criminal case."
But Trumps early morning tweet Friday quoted those words, then continued, "This doesnt mean that I do not have, as President, the legal right to do so, I do, but I have so far chosen not to!"
(Source: AFP)
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