Lauren Lantry, lauren.lantry@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Attorney General Barr released redacted versions of the Mueller report to Congress and to the public. Even with these redactions, the report reveals new details about Donald Trump’s actions and gives Congress the power to continue the investigation which includes subpoenaing Barr and bringing Special Counsel Robert Mueller in to testify. Mueller was unable to conclude that Trump did not obstruct justice.
Barr has a public record of bias against the Special Counsel’s inquiry, having sent a memo to the Department of Justice (DOJ) arguing that the Special Counsel’s investigation into obstruction of justice was “fatally misconceived,” less than a year ago and prior to his nomination to be Attorney General. Barr also has a history of refusing to release DOJ opinions, in 1989 he refused to release a DOJ legal opinion, choosing to release a summary report instead. Later it was revealed that Barr mischaracterized parts of the opinion in that summary.
All people in America -- including the Sierra Club -- require a functioning government and democratic access to that government. Eroding the democratic norms and the balance of power between branches of government can render the entire bedrock legal infrastructure -- including environmental law -- meaningless.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:
"Let’s be clear: this incomplete release does not clear Donald Trump of any wrongdoing. Instead, the heavily redacted report reveals new details about Trump’s attempts to shut down the Special Counsel investigation. Even Barr’s redacted version of the Mueller report reaffirms the fact that Trump isn’t exonerated and reveals deeply questionable incidents that could constitute the obstruction of justice.
“Attorney General Barr has shown he's incapable of being an impartial decision maker, has refused to release similar reports in the past, and now has omitted multiple components of the Mueller Report, raising more questions than he answers. The American public deserves transparency. That is why Congress must receive the full report without any redactions, bring Special Counsel Robert Mueller in to testify, and continue the investigation to determine once and for all whether Trump has obstructed justice. For the protection of our democracy, the integrity of the institution of the White House, and the future of our country, it is critical that Congress move forward with this investigation.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.