Trump Publicly Calls For Special Counsel To Probe Baseless Voter Fraud Allegations
Topline
President Donald Trump tweeted Wednesday that a special counsel on voter fraud is needed “immediately,” in what appears to be his most public push yet for an independent federal investigator to look into his fraud claims on the same day that Attorney General William Barr, who opposed appointing a special counsel, is leaving the Department of Justice.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk on the south lawn of the White House on … [+]
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Key Facts
Trump falsely tweeted last month’s election was plagued by “massive voter fraud,” a claim that has been contradicted by state and federal officials in both parties and that the president and his allies have failed to produce evidence of in court.
The president said he disagrees with anybody who believes a “strong, fast, and fair” special counsel isn’t needed, possibly referencing Barr, who told reporters Monday morning that a special counsel was not needed.
Crucial Quote
“This was the most corrupt election in the history of our Country, and it must be closely examined!” Trump tweeted.
Key Background
In recent weeks, as Trump’s legal and political efforts to overturn his election loss have fallen flat, he has reportedly weighed unprecedented longshot strategies to stay in power. Last Friday, Trump discussed asking the conspiracy theory-peddling lawyer Sidney Powell to serve as a special counsel on voter fraud, multiple outlets reported. Powell later claimed she was banned from the White House, and the Daily Beast reported Trump decided against hiring her, though Wednesday’s tweet indicates Trump is still mulling the idea of a special counsel.
Tangent
Per DOJ rules, special counsels are hired and fired by the attorney general, not the president. Barr has argued a special counsel for voter fraud is unnecessary, and he said last month investigators haven’t seen evidence of fraud on a scale that could reverse the election’s outcome. But Wednesday was Barr’s last day at the DOJ’s helm, and it’s unclear where new acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen stands on the issue.
What To Watch For
Some observers reportedly worry Rosen — who arrived at DOJ just 18 months ago and has no prosecutorial experience — could be more susceptible to Trump’s demands. “I think he’ll be more of a loyal trooper to the White House, where Barr is more his own man,” one unnamed prosecutor told NPR.
Further Reading
Will Jeffrey Rosen, William Barr’s Replacement, Withstand White House Pressure? (NPR)
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