Former Attorney General Bill Barr, known for his significant tenure under Donald Trump and his subsequent criticism of the ex-president, has declared his intention to support the Republican ticket in the upcoming election—a move which has sparked a notable reaction from Trump himself. Barr, who parted ways with the Trump administration in 2020 after disputing Trump’s false claims of a stolen election, recently indicated his willingness to back Trump should he be the Republican nominee.
Barr, speaking on Fox News, emphasized his decision-making process, stating, “I’ve said all along given two bad choices, I think it’s my duty to pick the person I think would do the least harm to the country. And in my mind, I will vote the Republican ticket. I will support the Republican ticket.”
Despite this expressed support, Barr has not shied away from criticizing Trump’s actions and rhetoric, both during and after his presidency. He has openly addressed the seriousness of the charges against Trump and called some of Trump’s defenses regarding the mishandling of classified documents “absurd.”
Trump, characteristically unfiltered in his responses, took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to acknowledge Barr’s support, albeit in a derisive manner. Trump wrote, “Wow! Former A.G. Bill Barr…has just Endorsed me for President despite the fact that I called him ‘Weak, Slow Moving, Lethargic, Gutless, and Lazy’… Based on the fact that I greatly appreciate his wholehearted Endorsement, I am removing the word ‘Lethargic’ from my statement. Thank you Bill.”
Trump’s response exemplifies his penchant for public ridicule, especially directed at those he views as disloyal or critical. It echoes past instances where Trump, even after securing support, continues to demean those who have challenged him or his ideas.
The relationship between Barr and Trump, marked by early allegiance followed by a public break and criticism, now enters another peculiar chapter with Barr’s endorsement and Trump’s backhanded acceptance.
Barr also expressed a stark view of the current administration, adding, “I think the real danger to the country — the real danger to democracy, as I say — is the progressive agenda. Trump may be playing Russian roulette, but a continuation of the Biden administration is national suicide in my opinion.”
Relevant articles:
– Bill Barr Says Trump Told Him To Execute People, But Will Still Vote For Him Because Of Stoves, cnn.com, 04/27/2024
– Donald Trump Accepts Bill Barr’s Endorsement by Implying He’s a Tub of Lard, Vanity Fair, Fri, 26 Apr 2024 21:27:53 GMT
– Trump mocks Barr after endorsement, says he will remove ‘lethargic’ label, The Hill, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 12:41:00 GMT
– Endorsement in hand, Trump takes new steps to humiliate Bill Barr, MSNBC, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 13:20:07 GMT
– Trump Mercilessly Mocks His Former AG Bill Barr for Endorsing Him, The Daily Beast, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 10:49:25 GMT