‘This is a disgrace’: Here’s what Mass. politicians are saying after the redacted Mueller report was released
"The Attorney General shouldn't be acting as a press secretary for the President of the United States," Congressman Seth Moulton said on Twitter.
Special counsel Robert Mueller’s report, albeit redacted, was released Thursday morning, and Massachusetts politicians were quick to criticize the redactions as well as Attorney General William Barr.
Here’s what they had to say about the much-anticipated release on social media:
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren
It’s a disgrace to see an Attorney General acting as if he’s the personal attorney and publicist for the President of the United States.
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) April 18, 2019
The AG is supposed to serve as the country’s top law enforcement officer – someone who stands up for the rule of law & defends the US Constitution against all enemies, foreign or domestic.
William Barr is standing up for only one person: the President of the United States.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) April 18, 2019
This is a disgrace. The American people deserve answers—and Special Counsel Robert Mueller should testify publicly before Congress. #ReleaseTheFullReport pic.twitter.com/ROG0Bt6JVq
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) April 18, 2019
U.S. Sen. Ed Markey
Even before we have had a chance to see the Mueller report, AG Barr made it clear that the Russians interfered in the 2016 election, a fact that President Trump continues to deny. Where is the White House commitment and plan to stop that in 2020?
— Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) April 18, 2019
Yes, the WH is spinning the Mueller report. Yes, Barr is acting like Trump’s personal lawyer. Yes, it’s disgraceful.
But we also must stay focused on the larger threat: Russia is going to keep trying to influence our elections, Trump or no Trump. And we need a plan to stop it.
— Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) April 18, 2019
Markey’s office also released this statement:
“The Special Counsel’s report, even in its redacted form, paints a picture of deeply disturbing conduct by the President and members of his 2016 campaign that warrants Congressional action,” said Senator Markey. “Mr. Mueller explained he would have cleared the president if he could have, but he couldn’t because there was voluminous evidence that President Trump may have in fact obstructed justice. We need to hear from Special Counsel Robert Mueller. He should testify to both the Senate and House and explain his report to the American people.
“The Special Counsel could not have been clearer that the Russians interfered in our 2016 election, something President Trump continues to deny. Vladimir Putin and Russian authorities will continue to attack our free and fair elections – the very fabric of our democracy – and President Trump and the White House must take action now to stop it from happening again.”
Congressman Seth Moulton
The Attorney General shouldn’t be acting as a press secretary for the President of the United States.
— Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) April 18, 2019
Right. https://t.co/03QiFJ69OU
— Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) April 18, 2019
This report is completely clear on one thing: Russia intervened in our election to help Donald Trump.
Presidents on both sides of the aisle have been standing up to Russia for 50 years. But Putin knew Trump would be different.
We all have a right to know why.
— Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) April 18, 2019
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley
— Rep Ayanna Pressley (@RepPressley) April 18, 2019
Congresswoman Lori Trahan
I am deeply troubled by Attorney General Barr’s partisan handling of the Mueller reports’ release. The sum of his actions bring into question his independence and impartiality. 1/3
— Congresswoman Lori Trahan (@RepLoriTrahan) April 18, 2019
In my view the only way to begin restoring public trust in the handling of the Special Counsel’s investigation is for Special Counsel Mueller himself to provide public testimony in the House and Senate as soon as possible.
My full statement below:
— Congresswoman Lori Trahan (@RepLoriTrahan) April 18, 2019
Congresswoman Katherine Clark
The Barr strategy:
Discredit
Spin
Delay
Share with the target of the probe (!)
Give time for the target to prepare a “rebuttal”
Redact
Spin again…all before Congress or the public see it for ourselves. https://t.co/h8tqq8gg79
— Katherine Clark (@RepKClark) April 18, 2019
Congressman Jim McGovern
It is now clear that Attorney General Barr is not America’s Attorney General and Chief Law Enforcement Officer, but the President’s personal attorney and partisan attack dog.
He has lost the trust and confidence of the American people. Shame on him. What a disgrace.
— Rep. Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) April 18, 2019
“Oh my God. This is terrible. This is the end of my Presidency. I’m f****d.”
—@realDonaldTrumpDoes that sound like a president who has nothing to worry about & nothing to hide during an investigation?
— Rep. Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) April 18, 2019
2/2 I am outraged and deeply disturbed by the pattern of criminality, corruption, and deception described in the Mueller report.
Congress must get the full, unredacted report and all underlying information to do our job and hold this administration accountable. pic.twitter.com/MMHuQxf5Im
— Rep. Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) April 18, 2019
Congressman Joe Kennedy III
https://twitter.com/RepJoeKennedy/status/1118971334900449281
