President Trump’s attorney general nominee, William Barr, told a Senate panel Tuesday that he “can conceive of situations” where the Justice Department might jail reporters. Barr made the worrisome remark in response to a question from Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) who asked Barr, “If you’re confirmed, will the Justice Department jail reporters for doing their jobs?” Barr reportedly did not give a direct answer, but finished his response by stating that prosecuting reporters would be a “last resort” that could happen, especially if a news outlet has run through a “red flag.” Barr also faced questions about how he would oversee Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation. Barr told senators he would not be “bullied” into interfering with the Mueller investigation. “I will not be bullied into doing anything I think is wrong,” Barr said. “By anybody. Whether it be editorial boards, or Congress or the President. I’m going to do what I think is right.” Barr also pledged to release Mueller’s findings to the public under the proper regulations.
Klobuchar: "If you’re confirmed, will the Justice Department jail reporters for doing their jobs?"
Barr does not answer directly. Says he "can conceive of situations" where as a "last resort" that could happen, especially if a news outlet has run through a "red flag"
